The establishment of an independent, outside Office of Public Integrity to review and investigate ethics charges against members of Congress is "definitely on the table," Democratic leadership aide told Congress Daily ($$) today, confirming a report in today's New York Times that "House Democrats are seriously exploring the creation of an independent ethics arm to enforce new rules on travel, lobbying, gifts and other issues." Such an office, "if approved, would be a major break with tradition," the Times reported. But "some lawmakers have said an independent entity could be unconstitutional," which may or may not be an impediment to action by Congress -- expected in the spring.