House Republicans aim to rein in ethics body preparing to investigate their party

Proposed rules would curtail power of Office of Congressional Ethics just as several Republican members face likely inquiries

House Republicans are expected to curtail the power of an independent congressional ethics body just as it was weighing whether to open investigations into GOP lawmakers who defied January 6 select committee subpoenas and a new Republican who fabricated his past during his election campaign.

The new House rules package that governs the Office of Congressional Ethics - which was drafted by the incoming Republican majority leadership and will almost certainly be adopted - makes two major changes to the body that would significantly undercut its ability to function.