News In Brief

House reprimands Idaho congressman

The House Wednesday reprimanded Rep. George Hansen, an Idaho Republican convicted in April of filing false financial statements involving $334,000 in unreported loans and profits. The House approved the reprimand on an overwhelming vote of 354 to 52. A reprimand is the lightest form of punishment the House gives its members.

House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill said yesterday that both Democrats and Republicans believe the law under which Mr. Hansen was reprimanded should be changed to prevent the Justice Department from involving itself in the prosecution of members who file improper financial statements.