Representative Pete Visclosky (D-IN)

Under Investigation by: The DOJ.

Under Investigation for: Rep. Visclosky is under investigation for his ties to the PMA Group. In fall 2008, the FBI raided the lobbying firm the PMA Group for potentially making improper campaign donations to members of Congress. Rep. Visclosky is one of the top three recipients of donations from the firm and its clients. In March 2009, Rep. Visclosky returned over $18,000 in campaign contributions from the PMA Group’s board of directors and lobbyists.

Status: On March 21, 2009, Rep. Visclosky’s campaign wrote a letter to the FEC seeking permission to use campaign funds for legal expenses that may arise from the FBI’s investigation into the PMA Group; in August, the FEC approved Rep. Visclosky’s request. On May 29, 2009, it was reported that Rep. Visclosky was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in regards to the PMA Group investigation. On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics Committee exonerated Rep. Visclosky. Nonetheless, the OCE concluded, “There is probable cause to believe that Rep. Visclosky solicited or accepted contributions or other items of value in exchange for or because of an official act.” On May 27, 2010, the OCE referred the investigation to DOJ.