Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) and Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment, Jr. (R-James City) issued the following statement Thursday:
“Earlier this month, we pledged to take the additional steps necessary to restore the public’s trust after the events of the last 18 months. Our pledge still stands.
“We hold those appointed to lead this commission in high regard and appreciate their willingness to serve the Commonwealth. The General Assembly looks forward to reviewing the Commission’s findings when it completes its work.
“Ultimately, the responsibility to make changes to Virginia’s ethics, transparency, and disclosure laws rests with the General Assembly. We know legislators in both chambers and in both parties are resolved to doing what is right for Virginia and committed to restoring the people’s trust in their government.
“Accordingly, we have already begun working on additional reforms that will build upon the bipartisan ethics reform package that secured unanimous approval earlier this year. This is a process that will continue as we move forward.”