House GOP votes to strip ethics watchdog of independence

peaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) argued against the amendment during Monday's conference meeting, according to a source in the room.

The proposal bars the ethics office from considering anonymous tips about potential ethics violations and prevents disclosures about investigations. Goodlatte said in a statement his proposal would ensure due process rights for lawmakers.

Ethics watchdogs, however, warn that barring OCE from reviewing anonymous tips would impede whistleblowers who may fear blowback over a sensitive case.

[link to thehill.com]