When the new Congress convenes next January, ethics reform should be its first order of business.

John Boehner and Nancy Pelosi should step in before this Waters embarrassment gets worse and hits a House that is already at a nadir in terms of public approval.

What an ironythat jamming through ethics changes on a wholly partisan basishas put even more public focus on Rep. Tom DeLay and denied him a forum to deflect the charges.

House SpeakerDennis Hastert has become the Vladimir Putin of American politics, dismantling the regular order and debasing the integrity of the institution.

The Foley scandal is a pivotal event--very likely the tipping point in the elections, and another stiff test for the House to demonstrate some trace elements of institutional integrity.

Allegations of congressional ethical violations should be reviewed by former members and staff.

While the House has made significant strides toward creating an independent outside entity to help get through its ethics storm, the Senate is unable to say the same.

The author discusses recent congressional embarrassments and strange decisions.