House Committee on Ethics

House Ethics reminds members and staff of rules for life after Congress
Memo came with just hours left in the 115th Congress

Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn., walks down the House steps following the final votes as the House of Representatives leaves town for their summer recess in July. (Sarah Silbiger/CQ Roll Call file photo)

In a memo released Thursday with just hours left in the 115th Congress, the House Ethics Committee reminded departing lawmakers of criminal restrictions on certain job-hunting practices.

Outgoing members and staff have been planning their next career moves for months. The memo reminds members to “familiarize themselves with ... the criminal restrictions on post-employment communications.” It also says that members should be careful when negotiating for future employment, especially with anyone who could be “substantially affected by the Member’s performance of official duties.”

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Ties to Auto Dealership Prompt Ethics Review of Texas Republican
Roger Williams denies his company would have benefited from amendment he offered

Texas Republican Rep. Roger Williams is under investigation for possible conflict of interest. (Photo By Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

The Office of Congressional Ethics found there is "substantial reason to believe" that Rep. Roger Williams' "personal financial interest in his auto dealership may be perceived as having influenced his performance of official duties."

The House Ethics Committee released the OCE report Thursday, along with a statement that the committee would extend its inquiry into Williams' case. It's the latest case pending before the committee without a deadline in which the panel has to make a final decision.

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