"Very interesting that one of the first actions of 2017 was to try to weaken the independent ethics panel. Is there any way we can find out exactly who was at that meeting and how they voted?"

This was a secret star chamber of republican tea-potters I bet.  Going after, or trying to preempt pending action against one r more of their own by the ones who are sniffing at their corrupt heels I`m thinking. 
 At least we voters can plainly see, and very early, what the real priority is for the tea-baggers in that wing of the GOP, and it isn`t trade, or the Mideast war, or the Affordable Care Act,...instead  It`s "covering their arses" by increasing the difficulty of investigations of malfeasance in office and other crimes.  Sounds like the Alaska Conoco caucus, and their taking advantage of lax state conflict laws about enriching one`s employer!  
Now we know where they get their marching orders from.  
Government in secret is certainly not representing the people`s best interests. RICO???