Racial tensions in congress

The World

Two long serving African-American House lawmakers have run into ethics problems, and some in Washington say they are being unfairly targeted based on their race.

Last week, Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.), appeared before a House ethics panel after being accused of 13 violations of House ethics rules. On Friday it came out that Rep. Maxine Waters (D- Los Angeles) will also face an ethics proceeding likely related to allegations that she sought to help a bank with ties to her husband receive federal bailout funds.

Both Rangel and Waters are leading members of the Congressional Black Caucus. The Caucus believes that the House ethics process disproportionally targets African-Americans in the chamber.

Joining us to talk about the fall out from all of this is Jay Newton Small, Time Magazine Washington Correspondent.

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