Here is a minute-by-minute blog of the Rep. Charlie Rangel hearing. The hearing began shortly before 2 p.m. and lasted about 30 minutes:
3:30 p.m. — Talk of a deal appear to be back on the table. The Rangel soap opera continues.
2:28 p.m. — The hearing, which had a somber tone, comes to an end. No date has been given for a trial date. It will likely take place in September following the summer recess.
2:26 p.m. — Lofgren points out that Rangel is not present and is not required to be there. Documents will be posted soon on the committee’s website this afternoon.
2:24 p.m. — Rep. Jo Bonner (R-Alabama) says Rangel had chances to avoid hearing, but that he “chose” to face violations.
2:20 p.m. — The House “trial phase” continues with a summary of the allegations against Rangel.
2:15 p.m. — The 13 violations are now being outlined by Green against Rangel, including not disclosing that he owned a home in the Dominican Republic. The story was first revealed following a Post investigation.
2:14 p.m. — Three House members are now discussing the 21-month investigation process. Rep. Gene Green (D-Texas) says over 60 meetings were held looking into any alleged Rangel wrongdoing.
2:08 p.m. — “We have an obligation to Mr. Rangel … to present his own version of events,” says McCaul, adding that Rangel faces 13 counts. He does not elaborate on the charges. “We are now in the trial phases” — adding that time for reaching any deals has passed.
2:07 p.m. — Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) takes the microphone, says they will look at “very serious allegations relating” to Rangel’s conduct. Looks like all the members sitting on the committee will give a short speech before the proceedings begin.
2:06 p.m. — Lofgren said the committee’s role is “to act impartially as to fact and law” — not to judge Rangel.
2:03 p.m. — Rangel is not present in the hearing chamber. Reports that a deal had been reached appear at this point to be wrong.
2:02 p.m. — Lofgren said the hearing will determine if there is “clear and convincing” evidence against Rangel. She said Rangel’s lawyers can counter the allegations that are outlined in the sub-committee’s findings.
2:01 p.m. — Lofgren said this afternoon’s hearing will detail the charges Rangel faces — allegations that surfaced two years ago.
1:58 p.m. — Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) says the hearing by the ethics committee is “to act fairly” in judging wrongdoing.
1:57 p.m. — The hearing has begun about an hour later than scheduled.
1:44 p.m. — The Wall Street Journal reports that Rangel has cut a tentative deal.
1:15 p.m. — Rangel’s lawyer Leslie Kiernan is currently in talks with attorneys for the special House panel, made up of four Democrats and four Republicans, about how to avoid a trial, according to The Associated Press and Reuters.
1:10 p.m. — Hearing has been delayed until 2 p.m. ET.
1:05 p.m. — House Ethics Committee expected to hold hearing and vote on release of charges Rangel is facing at today’s hearing.
1:01 p.m. — Rep. Charlie Rangel leaves his DC office, says he will not attend ethics hearing. Asked if he had struck a deal, Rangel said, “I have no idea.”