Ethics in the Missouri House of Representatives

Intro:	Some state representatives say they don't think there are ethical issues in the House.
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Wrap: Former Democratic Representative T.D. El-Amin's recent bribery charges and the new question over his House spending account does not have some of his colleagues asking for new preventative laws.

House Majority Whip Brian Nieves (Nee-ev-es) said there are already laws that monitor and prevent ethical issues.

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Description: "Take a look at the specifics of any case like this and try to figure out whether or not any additional laws might make a difference."

On the other hand, Democratic Representative Trent Skaggs says the House Ethics Committee should take a more proactive stance to prevent future unethical behavior.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Rebecca Stephen.

Intro:	Some members of the Missouri House of Representatives say they are ready to take measures to prevent unethical conduct within the House.
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Wrap: Considering recent bribery charges and questions of spending facing Former Democratic Representative T.D. El-Amin, many lawmakers say there needs to be a push for better behavior.

House Ethics Committee Member, Democratic Representative Trent Skaggs says has only seen two cases go before the committee in seven years.

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Description: "The Missouri Ethics Committee has very little, ugh, you know, they just don't take a very proactive, ugh, stance on these issues which I think is ashame."

On the other side of the aisle, House Majority Whip Brian Nieves (Ne-ev-es) says current laws that prevent and monitor ethical issues are good enough.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Rebecca Stephen.

Intro:	Questions over former Democratic Representative T.D. El-Amin's house spending account is leading some Missouri House members to call for more proactive measures.
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Wrap: El-Amin is only one of several legislators that have recently come under Federal investigation.

House Ethics Committee member Democratic Representative Trent Skaggs says it is ashame the ethics committee does not take a proactive stance on these ethical issues.

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Description: "It's important that we do everything we can to ensure the public's trust and it just appears that a lot of those a lot, that's just not happening right now."

House Minority Leader, Paul LeVota says he has complete confidence the committee in charge of investigating accounts will not let a situation like El-amin's happen again.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Rebecca Stephen.