Doesn this set a precedent that all Members of Congress will now be personally liable for paying any future penalties or reimbursements out of personal funds?
As each case before the Committee must be resolved individually on its own merits, this method of payment will set no precedent for future ethics cases or agreements. The Speaker will introduce a resolution to ensure no precedent is set. In fact, the ethics committee approved at least one other option that was not used for the $300,000 reimbursement. Having made a very personal decision on how best to pay, the Speaker feels very strongly that every member should be given the same leeway and flexibility in evaluating their options and making their own decisions.
