Top Democrats in House Back Jefferson’s Ouster From Panel

House Democratic leaders Thursday night endorsed an effort to oust Rep. William J. Jefferson (D-La.) from his post on an influential committee, but the move sparked opposition from members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Jefferson, who is African American, has resisted previous suggestions from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) that he quit the Ways and Means Committee, which writes the nation’s tax laws. And a spokeswoman for Jefferson said he would reject the latest push to remove him.

The matter appears headed for a vote by all of the House’s Democrats, setting up a debate over Jefferson, who is being investigated by federal officials in a bribery case.

The case received national attention recently when it was revealed that FBI agents had reported finding $90,000 wrapped in foil in a freezer during a search of Jefferson’s Washington home in August.

Although no charges have been filed against Jefferson, Pelosi called for him to give up his committee post after news stories about the $90,000. On Thursday, a panel of leading House Democrats voted behind closed doors to back Pelosi’s request.

Democratic rank-and-file members are expected to vote on the recommendation at a meeting likely to take place next week.

Ultimately, a vote by the full House -- including Republicans -- would be required to force Jefferson from the committee.

Rallying to support him Thursday were several members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including its chairman, Rep. Melvin Watt (D-N.C.).

He said that Jefferson deserved “a presumption of innocence” and that removing him from his committee post before any criminal charges had been filed against him would be unprecedented.

If the only person so sanctioned is a black member of Congress, Watt said, “then our community will legitimately ask what in the world are you all doing.”

Melanie N. Roussell, Jefferson’s spokeswoman, said Thursday that the lawmaker considered efforts to force him from the committee “discriminatory.”

Jennifer Crider, a spokeswoman for Pelosi, said any claim that race played a role in calling for Jefferson to quit Ways and Means was “absolutely untrue.”

“This is about upholding the highest ethical standard for every member of the Democratic caucus,” she said.

Led by Pelosi, House Democrats have decried what they claim is a “culture of corruption” in the GOP-controlled Congress -- a charge Jefferson’s troubles could undercut.

Jefferson, 59, is the target of a probe into telecommunication deals involving Nigerian leaders. A former Jefferson aide has pleaded guilty to bribery charges in the case.

And a Kentucky-based businessman has pleaded guilty to paying more than $40,000 in bribes to Jefferson in hopes of winning a contract with the Nigerians.

Jefferson has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he will be exonerated once his side of the story is known.

Last month, FBI agents searched Jefferson’s congressional office, triggering a debate among congressional leaders and the Bush administration about the constitutional separation of powers. President Bush ordered the attorney general’s office to seal the seized materials for 45 days until the dispute between the House and prosecutors is resolved. This week, a congressional advisory panel asked a federal judge to return to Jefferson files seized during the search.