U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-Paterson), the only New Jerseyan on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, is not ready to say if U.S. Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) should resign his chairmanship after the House Ethics Committee admonished him.

“The House Ethics Committee is carefully reviewing the facts of the allegations Chairman Rangel faces and has not taken or recommended any action at this point.  I will continue to examine their analysis.  Charlie has been a friend to me and I believe that he has been an effective chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee,” Pascrell told PolitickerNJ.com.

U.S. Rep. John Adler (D-Cherry Hill) has called for Rangel's resignation.

“Members of Congress must be held to the highest standard and face the appropriate consequences for their actions," Adler said. “Congress should be focused on creating jobs and turning our economy around, and a prolonged discussion about Mr. Rangel’s chairmanship is a distraction. Mr. Rangel should step down as chairman, so Congress can get back to work.”