House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.) on Monday expressed optimism that an ongoing ethics investigation into his personal finances will prove his innocence.

Asked about accusations against him relating to tax evasion, Rangel said he is, “confident that for each and every one of them … there will be proof of no wrongdoing.”

Rangel said his lawyers have been in touch with members of the Standards of Official Conduct Committee and are providing thorough records of his finances. By the time the review is over, Rangel said: “I am convinced I’ll be the cleanest guy on the House side of this Congress.”

The veteran New York Democrat, whose gavel could be in peril, also blamed the media for unfair and inaccurate coverage. “I don’t think reporters should be in the position to remove a chairman, not even temporarily,” he said. “Especially when the reporting is false.”