Republicans hold ethical watchdog on

washington - Republicans in the US House of Representatives decided to establish the independent ethics watchdog of Congress curtailed. A large majority voted in a party meeting on the reform of the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), Post The Washington Post.

The plan still needs to be guided through the House of Representatives. That happens expected Tuesday already. The OCE then gets a new name and can not have its own spokesperson appoint more or investigate anonymous tips about abuses. The own ethics committee of the House of Commons have the power to terminate OCE investigations.

Republican leaders spoke out against the present, according to sources with ties to the ethics office, but could not prevent a majority of their party members supported the plan. The Democrats are against the decision. 'Evidently ethics the first casualty of the new Republican Congress,' sneered leader Nancy Pelosi.