WASHINGTON (CNN) - Even after a senior House Democratic aide told CNN that House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charlie Rangel would likely temporarily step down from his post, Rangel emerged from a meeting with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Tuesday insisting he has no plans to step aside.
"You bet your life," Rangel said when asked if he was staying on as chairman of the tax writing committee. The New York congressman told reporters he had no plans to step down and was going back to his office to work on a jobs bill.
As Pelosi and Rangel were meeting in the speaker's office off the House floor, the source told CNN Rangel would likely announce Tuesday night or Wednesday that he's "temporarily stepping down" until the House ethics committee completes its investigation into a number of alleged rules violations. The source said that senior Ways and Means Democrat Pete Stark would take over as chairman "on a temporary basis."
Pelosi refused to comment after leaving the meeting - with her silence standing in stark contrast to the vigorous support she has offered for months, including as recently as Friday.
House Republicans are planning to introduce a resolution on Wednesday calling on Rangel to step aside and again force House Democrats to go on record defending him.
House Democrats have blocked previous GOP resolutions on the House floor, but several Democrats in competitive districts have come out publicly in recent days saying they thought it was time for Rangel to step down.
From CNN Politics
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This entire affair with Rep. Rangel's overseeing Ways and Means, and Speaker Pelosi's abetting him, is so ironic and sordid that it would be funny if it weren't serious.
I regret that Rep. Rangel is from my state. I can't imagine his not being returned to office, no matter what he does.
Ah yes – why would a democrat facing serious ethics allegations step down? It's different when you're a democrat.
Rangel and Pelosi.... Now there's a pair you can feel comfy with. One feels he's above rules and the other thinks we're all too stupid to have informed opinions, let alone make our own decisions. He's out of control and she's almost ready to say "They're all dummies. Let them eat cakes". Looking at most of the comentary she may be right.
Another politician with no shame, morals or conscience, in other words a perfect elected official out for himself.
If he was a Rpublican he would have been gone over 2 years ago when the investigations started. It is looking like even Pelosi can't protect him.
Step down fool! All you are doing is giving the Repulsivecans more ammo to use against the Dems.
Republican and Health care?
They were North and south poll.
If Obama take all their idea still they will vote against it.
Their only agenda from Nov. election to make sure he never succeed in his presidency.
If they can block unemployment bill and that cunning guy Jim Demint on senate floor defend Bunning that shows their true color.
When Republican do wrong, they are cut down at the knees by REPUBLICANS. Does anyone remember former Rep. Cunningham from California?
When Democrats do wrong, they claim a REPUBLICAN smear campaign.
The newest Democrat tactic is to stay silent as others an add race to the picture – like Farrakhan claims about the healthcare insurance legislation. The silence by Obama is deafening. Read this morning's Washington Post story about former Mayor Marion Barry to understand the corrupt political culture of the Democrats in DC.
The top state police officials are resigning in NY even though they broke no laws with the Paterson aide situation. They are public servants rather than politicians. They also are not hypocrites.
The Weatherman
What does Charlie Rangel have on Princess Pelosi? Must really be some Dirt if she will not speak at all?
At least I know that there is no difference between the two major parties, keep voting for those people to pretend to be your representatives and you will receive the same treatment we have had in the last 50 years. More taxes less jobs, and recession leading to another recession. Our high taxes supporting an over bloated Government removes your right to choose what you do with your money. That is Tyranny!
Vote Congress out, “you are fired” if they are in. Vote them out this fall no matter what party they belong to, and in the next election and every election going forward until they become the servants of the people once more.
Not to worry, Nancy Pelosi said that she intends to have the most ethical Congress in history....and what a great job she is doing! Lol
The hue and cry from Democrats if this was say John Behner, or Mitch McConnell could be heard 400 miles out to sea. The idea that Ms. pelosi was going to head the most ethical congress in history is a farce, and an outright lie. A slap on the wrist for someone who PURPOSEFULLY looked for way s to skirt the law so he could take a junket to the Carribean is disgraceful, and the fact that not ONE person seems to be calling for his resignnation is disgusting.
Rangel is a CROOK and should have been fired long ago. I'm sick of paying these crooks with our money....the taxpayers money.
I am shocked!
Really, New York is as corrupt as Chicago. All of the politicians should be term limited and banned from being a lobbyist. Thant is the only way to stop this mess.
Step down Charlie until all of this blows over.
It will be ok charlie i wont let them take away your job can you just do one little thing fo tho?
can you put some more grease in your hair i love to slide my fingers thru it baby
see you later behind the cap building
xoxoxox nancy
Why should he? he is being aided and abetted by the Obama administration. he has committed more crimes than Nixon and yet he is still there.