This is funny:

WASHINGTON — Representative Charles B. Rangel said on Wednesday that “cultural and language barriers” prevented him from understanding the finances of his Dominican Republic beachfront house, and vowed to repay several thousand dollars in federal taxes he owes after failing to report $75,000 in rental income from the villa…

But the 78-year-old congressman, a Democrat from Harlem who has been in Congress since 1971, brushed aside calls that he step down as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which writes the federal tax code, and accused Republicans who have called for him to do so of politicizing his financial issues.

“I really don’t believe making mistakes means you have to give up your career,” Mr. Rangel said.