House Democrats are pushing an amendment that would slash funding for the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), a watchdog agency, by 40%. The amendment is sponsored by a Democrat who was himself the subject of an ethics investigation last year.

It’s nice to see Democrats have finally found a program besides national defense that they’re willing to cut. Too bad it’s an agency responsible for ensuring members of Congress aren’t corrupt.

The amendment, offered by Rep. Mel Watt (D-N.C.), presents an opportunity for members to express their displeasure with the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). House lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have long grumbled about the office; however, most have been reticent about publicly airing their views, worried about the appearance of calling for the dismantling of an ethics office in Congress.

You don’t say. To think Congress dismantling an ethics office charged with monitoring Congress could be viewed poorly.

Update: The House defeated the amendment. No fewer than 102 members voted to cut oversight of Congress.