Ney Resigns as Chair of Housing Panel

Beleaguered Rep. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, who got caught in a lobbying scandal and could face two years to prison, has resigned as chairman of the House Financial Services subcommittee on housing, effective immediately.The Ohio congressman recently agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy and making false statements regarding the acceptance of gifts and travel from lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Earlier this year, Mr. Abramoff pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bribe public officials. In a Sept. 15 statement, Rep. Ney said he accepts responsibility for his actions and is seeking professional help for a "dependence on alcohol." Rep. Ney is scheduled to plead guilty at an Oct. 13 court hearing, and federal prosecutors are expected to recommend that the congressman serve 27 months in prison.