Key facts
- Tom Rust was appointed Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the House Committee on Ethics on March 13, 2014.
- Rust has worked for the Committee on Ethics as a nonpartisan staff attorney since 2009.
- He previously served as Interim Staff Director and Chief Counsel.
- Rust also held senior positions in the Committee's investigations and advice and education units.
- Prior to joining the Committee, Rust worked in private practice for eight years.
Tom Rust has been appointed Staff Director and Chief Counsel of the House Committee on Ethics, effective March 13, 2014. The committee unanimously agreed to the appointment of Mr. Rust, who was already employed by the committee.
Chairman K. Michael Conaway stated that Rust's experience on both the committee's advice and education and investigation teams makes him uniquely qualified to lead. Ranking Member Linda T. Sánchez noted that Rust's counsel and judgment have earned him trust and respect.
Rust expressed his honor in working for Chairman Conaway and Ranking Member Sánchez, and stated his commitment to continuing the committee's work in improving public trust in elected officials. The Committee on Ethics has sole jurisdiction over the interpretation of the Code of Official Conduct, which governs the actions of Members and staff. The committee is composed of an equal number of Democratic and Republican Members and its staff is required to be professional and nonpartisan.