HARLEM - Congressman Charles B. Rangel released the following statement:
Today I stood before the Ethics Committee to apologize for the embarrassment I have brought upon this body that I love dearly, and to the Members of Congress, and to my family and constituents.
There has never been any corruption or personal gain in my actions as the Committee's chief counsel noted. Neither has there been any intent on my part to violate the House rules. My actions may have been sloppy, or even stupid, but never corrupt.
There is no excuse for my acts of omission and failures to abide by the rules of Congress. I have made many mistakes that I will forever regret, and I apologize for them.
This has been one of the most difficult days of my life. All of this has been brought upon me as a result of my own actions. In the end, I hope that you would judge me on my entire record as a soldier and a dedicated public servant -- not by my mistakes.
To my beloved Colleagues, my constituents and the American people, I am sorry.
Meanwhile, The House Ethics Committee has issued the following statement regarding their investigation of Congressman Rangel:
