Office of Congressional Ethics

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) is an independent ethics review board that for the first time allows private citizens to review allegations against members of the House of Representatives. It will serve as a preliminary hearing board for investigating potential ethical violations, making referrals and recommendations to the full House Ethics Committee.

History
Following years of inactivity in the House Ethics Committee (due to an informal truce), many members and outside watchdogs stressed the need for a reformed ethics process in the House of Representatives. If at least one Republican and one Democrat sitting on the board agree to to launch an investigation, the full Office of Congressional Ethics will begin a preliminary review. If three members wish to proceed, a second-phase of investigation would begin.

Following that phase, a report is issued to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. If a majority of OCE appointees approves, the board can also refer a case to the full House Ethics Committee, which may then launch its own investigation.

Criticism
Some outside groups have questioned whether the OCE is too weak in its investigative powers. When the office was approved by the House, Melanie Sloan, a spokesperson for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, criticized the Office of Congressional Ethics, saying the board has no power to subpoena witnesses and is not required to accept outside complaints.