Swamp in U.S. Congress Declared Federally Protected Wetland

Washington, D.C.--The swamp that is the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives was declared a federally-protected wetland today, giving former House Democrat tax committee chairman Charlie Rangel and Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters an additional defense in their fight against pending ethics charges.

Rangel's lawyers -- who are currently challenging claims that include failure to disclose assets and income, nonpayment of taxes, and doing legislative favors for donors to a college center named after him -- welcomed the official designation of Congress as a swamp, saying "The new federal protections now prevent any moral and ethical development from encroaching on the natural habitat of corrupt representatives."

Lawyers for Waters -- who are defending her against claims she steered taxpayer funds to a bank to which she had personal and financial ties -- also haled the federal designation, saying it would "help protect career politicians from the ravages of public scrutiny."

Associated articles: Associated Press; Washington Post

Swamp in U.S. Congress Declared Federally Protected Wetland

Washington, D.C.--The swamp that is the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives was declared a federally-protected wetland today, giving former House Democrat tax committee chairman Charlie Rangel and Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters an additional defense in their fight against pending ethics charges.

Rangel's lawyers -- who are currently challenging claims that include failure to disclose assets and income, nonpayment of taxes, and doing legislative favors for donors to a college center named after him -- welcomed the official designation of Congress as a swamp, saying "The new federal protections now prevent any moral and ethical development from encroaching on the natural habitat of corrupt representatives."

Lawyers for Waters -- who are defending her against claims she steered taxpayer funds to a bank to which she had personal and financial ties -- also haled the federal designation, saying it would "help protect career politicians from the ravages of public scrutiny."

Associated articles: Associated Press; Washington Post

Tax Cheat Rangel Fends Off Challenge by 12-foot Alligator to Retain Tax Committee Chairmanship and "King of the Swamp" Title

Washington, D.C.--Rep. Charlie Rangel, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee who failed to pay taxes on millions of dollars he didn’t disclose, beat off a challenge from a 12-foot alligator to retain his committee chairmanship and the title “King of the Swamp.”

Following his victory, Rangel thanked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for “keeping the swamp filled” despite her earlier promise to drain it. He credited the “rising swamp line” with allowing him the extra buoyancy he needed to gain the upper hand over his giant reptile rival.

As Democrats in the House later voted down a Republican-sponsored resolution that would have ousted him from his chairmanship, a slime-drenched Rangel shook the bloody alligator carcass over his head and repeatedly screamed “I’m king of this swamp!”

Aides said Rangel looked forward to moving legislation that would increase taxes on the rest of the American people, remarking “It’s good to be the swamp king.”

Associated articles: AP; http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/07/house-considers-resolution-oust-rangel-ways-means-committee-chair/

Tax Cheat Rangel Fends Off Challenge by 12-foot Alligator to Retain Tax Committee Chairmanship and "King of the Swamp" Title

Washington, D.C.--Rep. Charlie Rangel, the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee who failed to pay taxes on millions of dollars he didn’t disclose, beat off a challenge from a 12-foot alligator to retain his committee chairmanship and the title “King of the Swamp.”

Following his victory, Rangel thanked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi for “keeping the swamp filled” despite her earlier promise to drain it. He credited the “rising swamp line” with allowing him the extra buoyancy he needed to gain the upper hand over his giant reptile rival.

As Democrats in the House later voted down a Republican-sponsored resolution that would have ousted him from his chairmanship, a slime-drenched Rangel shook the bloody alligator carcass over his head and repeatedly screamed “I’m king of this swamp!”

Aides said Rangel looked forward to moving legislation that would increase taxes on the rest of the American people, remarking “It’s good to be the swamp king.”

Associated articles: AP; http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/07/house-considers-resolution-oust-rangel-ways-means-committee-chair/