Apparently, there is still very strong opposition to the ethics reform proposal. Majority Leader Hoyer met with the Democratic caucus last night. But, the outcome is still uncertain: [1]

Democrats intend to bring up their revised ethics plan for a House vote Thursday, even though they don’t yet know whether there’s enough support to adopt the changes, Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer [2] said.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday, Hoyer said he understood his caucus’ consternation about the very idea of outsiders passing judgement on their ethics.

“It should not be surprising that members are very concerned,” said Hoyer, D-Md. “After all, we live in a fishbowl here in Congress.

“You’d be shocked if members just shrugged and said they’d accept this without asking lots of questions.”

Democratic leaders had convened an unusual Tuesday evening caucus meeting to talk about the top issues of the week, including the proposal to set up a board of outside ethics judges. They walked out of the meeting knowing the rank and file was not sold on the concept and a significant amount of work would have to be done before calling for a vote.

Hoyer said he has tried to reassure his caucus that the proposed six-member board of outsiders would have limited power.