In recent months a number of organizations and individuals have questioned whether members of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct are able to give fair consideration to a complaint against a Member from whom they have received political contributions. As Chairman and Ranking Minority Member of the Committee, we believe it is important to state emphatically our belief in the integrity and ability of every member of this committee. Both of us are confident in the ability of each of our fellow members, without exception, to execute their responsibilities faithfully and fairly, regardless of any political affiliations or personal relationships. If either of us believed that any committee member were unable to discharge his or her duties properly, we would seek to have that member removed from the Committee.