harlem has already been found guilty of financial wrongdoing. he was convicted of failing to pay taxes and using official resources to fund-raise for a new york college center named after him. his actions and his accumulation of actions, as the subcommittee found, brought discredit to the house. his conduct served to undermine public trust in this institution. reporter: members of the panel expressed little sympathy for rangel, who was forced to step down earlier this year as chairman of the powerful house ways and means committee. mr. rangel should only look into the mirror if he wants to know who to blame. i look at myself every morning, mr. bonner, and i have never blamed staff, my family or anyone for my irresponsible behavior. reporter: rangel brought a surprise character witness, respected veteran lawmaker john lewis. he s always been a champion for those who have been left out and left behind.
no, i really haven t. are you hoping for just a reprimand? i don t know. reporter: the house ethics committee will recommend a punishment for the 80-year-old rangel, to be voted on by the full house. possibilities include a vote deploring his conduct, a fine, and denial of privileges. even after the verdict, many long-time constituents remain supportive. this stuff goes on in congress all the time. so he just got picked out. you know. that s how the game is played. reporter: monday, rangel demanded the trial be delayed so he could raise money to pay a lawyer. 50 years of public service is on the line. i am entitled to a lawyer during this proceeding. reporter: the panel refused to postpone, so rangel walked out, forcing the trial to go on without him. throughout the proceedings, he was portrayed as a veteran congressman who thought he could ignore rules on disclosing assets and who used official resources to fund-raise for a new york college center named after him. char