NEW YORK, NY August 28, 2009 —Congressman Charles Rangel says an investigation by the House Ethics Committee will vindicate him of any ethical missteps with his finances. This week, the powerful Harlem Democrat filed amended financial disclosure forms that boosted his wealth by as much as $1.3 million over what he originally reported. Speaking today before a community forum, Rangel says the media has distorted the story.

RANGEL: All these things are untrue, misreported. But...I think the public is entitled to more than just a denial. The fruits of the investigation will prove that they have severely, unfairly distorted the facts.

Rangel did not offer any explanation as to why assets were missing from his original 2007 disclosure form. Those assets include four mutual funds worth between $365,000 and $750,000, and stock worth up to $65,000.