Changes

Under his leadership, Congress passed [[welfare]] reform, passed the first [[balanced budget]] in a generation, and passed the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan [[9/11]] Commission.   

Under his leadership, Congress passed [[welfare]] reform, passed the first [[balanced budget]] in a generation, and passed the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan [[9/11]] Commission.   

Gingrich's congressional career ended in 1999 when he resigned from Congress after poor showings from Republicans in the midterm elections and being investigated by the House ethics panel. Claims were made that Gingrich had used a political consultant in the development of the GOP platform contrary to House Ethics. Despite his claim of no wrongdoing, a $300,000 fine was imposed by the panel. The final three of the charges were dismissed in October 1998.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/govt/leadership/stories/101198.htm Ethics Committee Drops Last of 84 Charges Against Gingrich</ref><ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/govt/leadership/stories/gingrich123198.htm Gingrich Pays Off Ethics Penalty</ref>

Gingrich's congressional career ended in 1999 when he resigned from Congress after poor showings from Republicans in the midterm elections and due to being investigated by the House ethics panel. Claims were made that Gingrich had used a political consultant in the development of the GOP platform contrary to House Ethics Rules. Despite his claim of no wrongdoing, a $300,000 fine was imposed by the panel. The final three of the charges were dismissed in October 1998.<ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/govt/leadership/stories/101198.htm Ethics Committee Drops Last of 84 Charges Against Gingrich</ref><ref>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/govt/leadership/stories/gingrich123198.htm Gingrich Pays Off Ethics Penalty</ref>

Gingrich is currently a candidate for the Republican nomination for the [[Presidential Election 2012|2012 U.S. Presidential election]].

Gingrich is currently a candidate for the Republican nomination for the [[Presidential Election 2012|2012 U.S. Presidential election]].