After a seven-month review of Congressmember Laura Richardson (D-Long Beach), the House Ethics Committee has dismissed its investigation and cleared Richardson of all allegations after the Office of Congressional Ethics suspected rules violations in 2009.
The allegations were related to a Sacramento home that Richardson foreclosed on. When the home was purchased by another person, Washington Mutual repossessed the home and turned it back over to Richardson. A lawsuit was settled privately.
“Richardson did not knowingly accept a gift from Washington Mutual Bank (Washington Mutual) or violate any applicable standard of conduct,” said House Ethics Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren and ranking member Jo Bonner in a joint statement.
Richardson issued the following statement today:
After a long, deliberate and comprehensive review, the bi-partisan House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct has unanimously and unequivocally rejected all of the allegations against me and confirmed that I violated no law or standard of conduct.
I would like to thank the constituents of California’s 37th Congressional District, who have continued to evaluate my performance by the service we provide to them, the State of California and the Nation.
I’d like to acknowledge both my district and capitol staffs, who have remained focused in providing quality services, and whose professionalism, expertise, care and legislative and constituent services have been nothing short of amazing.
I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to my family and church support, who have never wavered in their support of me.
Today closes a chapter and opens a door. The Committee’s bipartisan report confirms that I have at all times acted in accordance with my ethical duties as a Member of Congress. I am thankful this is over and behind me and I can continue to do what I enjoy, which is serving the people of California’s 37th District.
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