Pelosi Defends Rangel; Washington Post Calls for Rangel to "Step Down"

  Amid his revelation of unreported income, the Washington Post is calling for New York Congressman Charlie Rangel to step down as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.

In an editorial in today's edition, the paper calls Rangel's amended disclosure form a “treasure trove of outrage."

Newly-filed disclosures show that Rangel failed to report at least half a million dollars in assets in 2007, perhaps a total of over $1,000,000 during the periods 2002-2006. The paper says, "much more is expected and demanded of those entrusted with chairmanships and the power that comes with them, especially when it involves the nation's purse strings

Rangel heads the powerful House Ways and Means Committee which writes the nation’s tax laws and has major influence over the national budget