The House Committee on Ethics (formerly the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct) is the only standing House committee with equal numbers of members from both parties. It investigates allegations of misconduct by House members and recommends sanctions to the full House. The committee can recommend a range of punishments, from a letter of reproval (the mildest) to a fine, censure, or expulsion. Expulsion recommendations go to the full House for a vote requiring a two-thirds majority. The committee conducts formal adjudicatory hearings, similar to trials, when members face serious charges. Its proceedings are unusual in Congress because they are bipartisan by design — the chair and ranking member alternate party control with membership.