Washington, D.C. -— Congressman G. K. Butterfield has been named to the House ethics committee as well as vice chairman of the energy subcommittee.
“While the ethics post is one of the most difficult assignments in the House, it is also one of the most important,” Butterfield said. “Americans depend on the panel to hold Members of Congress to the highest ethical standard.”
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today named Butterfield to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. It is the only House committee with an equal number of Democrats and Republicans. The committee investigates all alleged violations of the Code of Official Conduct, including ethical and criminal complaints made against fellow members.
The committee also reviews proposed changes to the Code of Conduct and oversees ethics training for congressional staff. Additionally, the committee renders advisory opinions regarding the propriety of current or proposed conduct of members and congressional staff.
Butterfield, a former state Supreme Court Justice and state Superior Court Judge, pledged to work in a non-partisan and judicial manner.
Butterfield, a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, also announced that he has again been named vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.
“Most of Congress’ work is done at the subcommittee level,” Butterfield said. “So a subcommittee leadership role is significant, especially with an issue as important as energy.”
Butterfield said assignment is especially important at a time when Congress will be tackling the issues of energy independence and investing in creating a “green collar” economy.
The subcommittee also has jurisdiction over national energy policy, energy conservation and energy regulation.