Abramoff scandal leads to Feeney advancement

16 May 2007 // WASHINGTON -- Convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff may yet help the political fortunes of U.S. Rep Tom Feeney of Florida.

The Oviedo Republican said today he would take over as GOP leader on the space subcommittee, part of the overall House science committee.

Why the open slot?

The previous GOP leader, U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert of California, left his "ranking member" post to fill a vacant seat on the appropriations committee.

That seat was available because its former occupant, U.S. Rep. John Doolittle of California, stepped down from the appropriations committee following an FBI raid on his Virginia home in connection to the Abramoff corruption scandal.

Feeney has had his own troubles with Abramoff, stemming from a 2003 golf junket to Scotland the two men took. When Feeney first told Congress about the trip, he reported that a conservative think tank paid for it. But later, investigators found Abramoff footed the bill through a "slush fund" worth millions.

Lobbyists are forbidden to pay for congressional travel. Abramoff pleaded guilty last year of bribing public officials.

Feeney since has given $5,643 to the U.S. Treasury to repay what he said was his share of the trip. The three-term congressman also has denied knowing Abramoff paid for it and said he filed his disclosure forms in good faith.

Federal investigators recently asked at least three Florida newspapers for more information about the trip, although Feeney has denied being a target.

"The bottom line is that we've always followed the law," said Feeney today. "There are no new developments. I think we're in good shape."

As the new ranking member, Feeney said his top goal was ensuring future work for employees of the Kennedy Space Center. Some jobs there are in jeopardy as NASA edges toward retiring the space shuttle in 2010.

Feeney said another priority is upgrading the country's military capacity to combat the growing Chinese space program, which soon could challenge the U.S military advantage in orbit and beyond.