Pelosi Cites Fattah's Service, Calls Charges 'Saddening' (Updated) (Video)

By David Eldridge

Posted July 29, 2015 at 12:57pm

Updated 2 p.m. | House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., released the following statement Wednesday after news that Rep. Chaka Fattah, D-Pa., has been indicted on 29 counts of racketeering conspiracy, bribery and wire fraud as part of an FBI and IRS probe.

“The charges in the indictment against Congressman Chaka Fattah are deeply saddening. Congressman Fattah has been a tireless and effective advocate for America’s hard-working families across more than 20 years of distinguished service in the House.

“Congressman Fattah has rightly stepped down from his position as Ranking Member on the House CJS Appropriations Subcommittee pending the resolution of this matter.”

Fattah agreed earlier in the day to give up his post on the Appropriations Committee, where he is the top Democrat overseeing criminal justice and science spending. He will be replaced by Michael M. Honda, D-Calif., who is currently the subject of an ethics probe .

Pelosi told reporters later she is not going to ask Fattah to resign his seat in Congress. “This is a very sad, sad day,” she said as she exited an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid.

Bridget Bowman contributed to this report.
Related:

Despite Fattah Indictment, Don’t Expect a Scramble for His Seat

Rep. Chaka Fattah Charged in 29-Count Indictment (Updated)

Fattah a Frequent White House Visitor

See photos, follies, HOH Hits and Misses and more at Roll Call’s new video site.

Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.