Ethics Case Against Maxine Waters May Be Dropped

Advisor concludes there's insufficient evidence she was involved in offering improper assistance to bank connected to her husband

The House Ethics Committee appeared likely Friday to drop its case against Rep. Maxine Waters after an independent legal advisor concluded that there is "not sufficient evidence…to prove violations by a clear and convincing standard."

The panel received the recommendation during a rare open session, and was expected to end the case against Waters, who has been accused of improperly helping a bank linked to her husband. The committee's decision could come before the end of the day.

Dismissal of the case, which has gone on for more than three years, would clear the way for the veteran lawmaker to become the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee in the next Congress.