The Select Committee on Ethics (the Committee) is unique among all Senate committees in that it is structurally bipartisan—there are a total of six Members, with three Members from the majority party and three Members from the minority party. The Committee staff is a nonpartisan professional staff hired jointly by the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

The Committee has three main functions. First, the Committee provides ethics advice and education to Members, officers, and employees. Second, the Committee administers the Senate’s financial disclosure program. Finally, the Committee investigates allegations of misconduct by Members, officers, or employees.

Contact with the Committee about the application of laws and rules to proposed conduct is welcomed and encouraged. The Committee’s aim is to preempt possible violations by providing guidance that allows Members, officers, and employees to have a clear understanding of the standards of conduct that govern their actions as public officials.