Under Investigation

CREW has compiled a list of Congress members likely under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (House ethics committee), the Senate Select Committee on Ethics (Senate ethics committee) or the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). Due to the secrecy surrounding these investigative bodies, the list is compiled from press reports. On October 30, 2009, The Washington Post revealed a leaked House ethics committee memo documenting the investigative activities surrounding House members by the House ethics committee and/or the OCE. The OCE was created in 2008 to review allegations of misconduct against members of the House and refers matters to the House ethics committee for further action. As a result, it is not always clear which body is investigating the Member.

U.S. Representatives

U.S. Senators


Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice (DOJ).1

Under Investigation for: The DOJ is reviewing the land sale between Rep. Calvert, his business partners and the Jurupa Community Services District.2 In 2006, the Jurupa Community Services District sold four acres of property in Mira Loma to Stadium properties, in which Rep. Calvert is a partner.3 The community services district failed to notify the park district and other governmental agencies that the land was on the market, as required by state law.4 As a result, the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District filed a lawsuit against Rep. Calvert’s partnership and the Jurupa Community Services District for fraud and deceit.5

Status: In October 2009 it was revealed that an FBI official contacted a Jurupa parks official regarding the lawsuit. Rep. Calvert claimed, however, he had not been contacted by the FBI.6

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Representative John Campbell (R-CA)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).7

Under Investigation for: Rep. John Campbell is under investigation by the OCE for fundraising immediately before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.8 The OCE is also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of Rep. Mel Watt’s amendment to the financial regulatory reform bill. .9 Rep. Campbell openly opposed the amendment for extending oversight to auto dealerships that provide car financing; once the amendment was withdrawn Rep. Campbell praised Rep. Watt on the house floor. 10

Status: As of June 25, 2010, the OCE extended their investigation into the second stage to continue fact finding. 11

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Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).12

Under Investigation for: Rep. Joseph Crowley is under investigation by the OCE for fundraising immediately before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.13

Status: As of June 25, 2010, the OCE extended their investigation into the second stage to continue fact finding. 14

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Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee and the Office of Congressional Ethics.15

Under Investigation for: The two committees are investigating whether Rep. Dicks exchanged earmarks for campaign contributions from the PMA Group, a lobbying firm under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, and their clients.16

Status: On February 26, 2010, the House ethics committee exonerated Rep. Dicks. 17

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Representative Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).18

Under Investigation for: Rep. Jeb Hensarling is under investigation by the OCE for fundraising immediately before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.19

Status: As of June 25, 2010, the OCE extended their investigation into the second stage to continue fact finding.20

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Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).21

Under Investigation for: The Office of Congressional Ethics referred an investigation into Rep. Jackson to the House Ethics Committee.22 Rep. Jackson is being scrutinized for his actions surrounding his bid to be appointed to the Illinois Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.23 Additionally, the DOJ has interviewed Rep. Jackson in the corruption probe of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-IL).24 Federal authorities have subpoenaed individuals with knowledge of a possible fundraising effort by Rep. Jackson’s supporters to encourage Gov. Blagojevich to appoint Rep. Jackson to the Senate.25

Status: The investigation is ongoing.37

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Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee and the Office of Congressional Ethics.26

Under Investigation for: The two committees are investigating whether Rep. Kaptur exchanged earmarks for campaign contributions from the PMA Group, a lobbying firm under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, and their clients.27

Status:On February 26, 2010, the House ethics committee exonerated Rep. Kaptur.28

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Representative Chris Lee (R-NY)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics.29

Under Investigation for: Rep. Chris Lee is under investigation by the OCE for fundraising immediately before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.30

Status: As of June 25, 2010, the OCE extended their investigation into the second stage to continue fact finding.31

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Representative Jerry Lewis (R-CA)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice.32

Under Investigation for: Rep. Lewis is under investigation for steering millions of dollars in earmarks to family and friends in exchange for contributions to his campaign committee and political action committee.33

Status: The status of the investigation is unknown.

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Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics.34

Under Investigation for: Rep. Frank Lucas is under investigation by the OCE for fundraising immediately before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.35

Status: As of June 25, 2010, the OCE extended their investigation into the second stage to continue fact finding.36

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Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice.37

Under Investigation for: According to news sources, a federal grand jury is investigating several politicians from Queens, NY including Rep. Meeks.38 The National Legal and Policy Center claimed Rep. Meeks received a sweetheart deal on a home he built in Queens.39 The Daily News reported that the grand jury subpoenaed documents related to Rep. Meeks house.40

Status: On April 13, 2010, Rep. Meeks announced on the House floor he has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury.41

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Representative Gary Miller (R-CA)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the House ethics committee.42

Under Investigation for: Rep. Miller is under investigation by the DOJ for failing to pay capital gains taxes after he claimed he was forced to sell his land to two cities under eminent domain, allegations both cities have denied.43 The House ethics committee is reviewing Rep. Miller’s real estate transactions to determine if his investments were tied to official acts.44

Status: The investigation is ongoing.45

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Representative Allan Mollohan (D-WV)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee.46

Under Investigation for: Rep. Mollohan was under investigation since 2006 for directing millions in earmarks to groups with which he has close ties.47 Rep. Mollohan allegedly earmarked funds to five non-profits, one of which is headed by a former aide, and in turn staff at these non-profits contributed to the congressman’s campaign committee.48

Status: On January 26, 2010, the Washington Post reported the Department of Justice closed its four-year investigation into Rep. Mollohan without filing criminal charges. 49 It is not known whether the House ethics committee will conduct its own investigation into Rep. Mollohan50 The congressman, who recused himself from voting on matters related to the DOJ when the investigation became public, is expected to resume full control over the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies. 51

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Representative Jim Moran (D-VA)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee and the Office of Congressional Ethics.52

Under Investigation for: The two committees are investigating whether Rep. Moran exchanged earmarks for campaign contributions from the PMA Group, a lobbying firm under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, and their clients.53

Status: On February 26, 2010, the House ethics committee exonerated Rep. Moran.54

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Representative Timothy Murphy (R-PA)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice.55

Under Investigation for: Rep. Murphy is under investigation for misusing official resources for political campaign activity.56

Status: The status of the investigation is unknown.

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Representative Earl Pomeroy (D-ND)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).57

Under Investigation for: Rep. Earl Pomeroy is under investigation by the OCE for fundraising immediately before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.58

Status: As of June 25, 2010, the OCE extended their investigation into the second stage to continue fact finding. 59

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Representative Tom Price (R-GA)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).60

Under Investigation for: Rep. Tom Price is under investigation by the OCE for fundraising immediately before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.61

Status: As of June 25, 2010, the OCE extended their investigation into the second stage to continue fact finding. 62

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Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee.63

Under Investigation for: Rep. Rangel is under investigation for leasing four rent-stabilized properties in New York, one of which he used as a campaign office;64 for using congressional stationery to raise funds for the Charles B. Rangel Center at the City College of New York;65 for failing to report on his financial disclosure forms and to the IRS approximately $75,000 in rental income on a Dominican Republic villa;66 and for supporting a tax shelter for Nabors Industries in return for donations to the Rangel Center.67 In October 2009, the investigation broadened to include the amendments Rep. Rangel made on his personal financial disclosure records, disclosing at least $600,000 in unreported assets; the investigation also includes misuse of the House garage.68

Status: At Rep. Rangel’s behest, the House ethics committee initiated a probe into his conduct on September 24, 2008.69 Speaker Nancy Pelosi released a statement in November 2008 that the investigation into Rep. Rangel would be concluded by the end of the 110th Congress.70 The investigation was not completed last Congress and was reopened in the new Congress on February 10, 2009.71 On October 8, 2009, the House ethics committee voted to expand the investigation into Rep. Rangel and reported that the committee issued almost 150 subpoenas, interviewed 34 witnesses and produced more than 2,100 pages of transcripts.72 In a separate ethics matter, the House ethics committee admonished Rep. Rangel on February 25, 2010 for violating House rules by accepting corporate-sponsored trips to the Caribbean. 73 On March 3, 2010, he temporarily stepped down as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. 74

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Representative Laura Richardson (D-CA)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee and the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).75

Under Investigation for: The House ethics committee opened a formal investigation into Rep. Richardson regarding the circumstances around the temporary foreclosure of Rep. Richardson’s Sacramento home and for failing to disclose income on her financial disclosure form.76 The OCE was previously reviewing Rep. Richardson’s Sacramento home and whether House gift rules were violated when neighbors spent money to clean up the property, which has been declared a public nuisance.77

Status: On October 29, 2009, the House ethics committee created a subcommittee to investigate Rep. Richardson.78

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Representative Pete Stark (D-CA)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee and the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). 79

Under Investigation for: On December 24, 2009, the House ethics committee began an investigation into Rep. Stark after the OCE alleged that the congressman violated Maryland tax law and House ethics rule by falsely applying for a Maryland property tax credit.80

Status: On January 27, 2010, the House ethics committee concluded its investigation into Rep. Stark and found he did not violate House ethics rules .81 He is no longer under investigation.

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Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee and the Office of Congressional Ethics.82

Under Investigation for: The two committees are investigating whether Rep. Tiahrt exchanged earmarks for campaign contributions from the PMA Group, a lobbying firm under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, and their clients.83

Status: On February 26, 2010, the House ethics committee exonerated Rep. Tiahrt. 84 The OCE, however, recommended the ethics committee further investigate Rep. Tiahrt. 85 Their report stated, “‘If Representative Tiahrt solicited or accepted contributions or other items of value in exchange for or because of an official act’ then he ‘might have’ violated House rules.” 86

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Representative Pete Visclosky (D-IN)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice (DOJ), the House ethics committee and the Office of Congressional Ethics.87

Under Investigation for: Rep. Visclosky is under investigation for his ties to the PMA Group.88 In fall 2008, the FBI raided the lobbying firm the PMA Group for potentially making improper campaign donations to members of Congress.89 Rep. Visclosky is one of the top three recipients of donations from the firm and its clients.90 In March 2009, Rep. Visclosky returned over $18,000 in campaign contributions from the PMA Group’s board of directors and lobbyists.91

Status: On March 21, 2009, Rep. Visclosky’s campaign wrote a letter to the Federal Election Commission (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.92 On May 29, 2009, it was reported that Rep. Visclosky was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in regards to the PMA Group investigation.93 On February 26, 2010, the House ethics committee exonerated Rep. Visclosky.94 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.”95

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Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee.96

Under Investigation for: Rep. Waters is under investigation for securing meetings between officials at OneUnited Bank, a bank with which her husband has close financial ties, and officials at the Treasury Department in regards to obtaining bailout funds.97 Rep. Waters’ husband, Sidney Williams, was once a member of the bank’s board of directors and his investments in the bank are worth at least $350,000.98 OneUnited Bank received a $12 million bailout.99

Status: On October 29, 2009, the House ethics committee established a subcommittee to investigate the congresswoman.100

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Representative Mel Watt (D-NC)

Under Investigation by: The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).101

Under Investigation for: Rep. Mel Watt is under investigation by the OCE for fundraising immediately before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.102 In addition, the OCE is investigating an amendment to the financial regulatory reform bill Rep. Watt sponsored.103 The amendment would have put auto dealers who provide car financing under the oversight of the proposed finance industry watchdog, but two days after the representative’s fundraiser, he withdrew his amendment making auto dealers exempt from oversight.104

Status: As of June 25, 2010, the OCE extended their investigation into the second stage to continue fact finding.105

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Representative C.W. Bill Young (R-FL)

Under Investigation by: The House ethics committee and the Office of Congressional Ethics106

Under Investigation for: The two committees are investigating whether Rep. Young exchanged earmarks for campaign contributions from the PMA Group, a lobbying firm under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, and their clients.107

Status: On February 26, 2010, the House ethics committee exonerated Rep. Young.108

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Representative Don Young (R-AK)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice (DOJ).109

Under Investigation for: Rep. Young is under investigation for earmarking $10 million dollars for a Florida construction project in exchange for campaign donations from Florida developers.110 Rep. Young is also the subject of an FBI investigation into political corruption in Alaska.111 In a confession released in October 2009, VECO Corporation CEO, Bill Allen, along with his deputy Rich Smith, confessed to giving gifts to Rep. Young from 1993 to 2006.112 Rep. Young, however, did not disclose these gifts on his personal financial disclosure forms.113 Mr. Allen and Mr. Smith also confessed to violating campaign finance laws by paying for Rep. Young’s annual pig roast fundraiser from 1993 to 2006; costing between $130,000 and $195,000.114 Rep. Young’s ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff also have been the subject of a grand jury investigation.115

Status: The status of the investigation into the Florida earmark is unknown, whereas the investigation into his relationship with VECO Corporation is ongoing.116

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Senator Roland Burris (D-IL)

Under Investigation by: The Senate ethics committee.117

Under Investigation for: The Senate ethics committee investigated Sen. Burris for repeatedly altering his testimony regarding his appointment to the Senate and his contacts with indicted former Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL).118 Under oath, Sen. Burris has offered at least three different descriptions of how he was appointed to the Senate; in one scenario, Sen. Burris admitted to trying to raise money for the former governor.119

Status: In a November 20, 2009 public letter, the Senate ethics committee admonished Sen. Burris.120

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Senator John Ensign (R-NV)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Senate ethics committee.121

Under Investigation for: Sen. Ensign is under investigation by the DOJ and the Senate ethics committee for his actions surrounding his affair with a staffer.122 On June 16, 2009, Sen. Ensign confessed he had engaged in an affair with Cynthia Hampton, his campaign and PAC treasurer, who is married to Doug Hampton, the Senator’s then administrative assistant.123 When Mr. Hampton resigned from the Senator’s office, Sen. Ensign illegally helped Mr. Hampton violate a one-year lobbying ban and then assisted Mr. Hampton’s clients with their legislative agendas.124 Mr. Hampton claimed Sen. Ensign paid him $25,000 in severance.125 It was later revealed that the parents of Sen. Ensign made eight gifts of $12,000 to the Hampton family, totaling $96,000; these payments could either constitute money laundering or a violation of campaign finance laws since the payments were not reported on his campaign disclosure forms.126

Status: The DOJ and the Senate ethics committee have begun a preliminary investigation into Sen. Ensign. 127 According to a Politico article on February 19, 2010, the FBI began interviewing former aides to Sen. Ensign, including Doug Hampton. 128 In addition, the Senate ethics committee issued subpoenas in December 2009 to former aides. 129

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Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

Under Investigation by: The Department of Justice.130

Under Investigation for: Sen. Menendez is under investigation by the Newark, NJ U.S. Attorney’s Office for collecting rent from an anti-poverty group for which he helped win federal funds, the North Hudson Community Action Corporation.131 The group was run by a donor to Sen. Menendez’s campaign.132 More recently, in 2007, federal investigators began looking into Sen. Menendez’s relationship with his former chief of staff, lobbyist Kay LiCausi, to determine whether the senator improperly helped her or her clients win contracts and federal funding.133

Status: The status of the investigation is unknown.

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Footnotes:

  1. Ben Goad and Sandra Stokely, FBI Poking Around in Jurupa Land Deal, Press-Enterprise, October 16, 2009.
  2. Id.
  3. Id.
  4. Id.
  5. Goad and Stokely, Press-Enterprise, Oct. 16, 2009.
  6. Id.
  7. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Office Extends Review of Members’ Fundraising, Roll Call, June 25, 2010.
  8. Id.
  9. Susan Crabtree, House Ethics Office Investigates Advances, The Hill, June 25, 2010.
  10. Id.
  11. Yachnin, Roll Call, Jun. 25. 2010.
  12. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Office Extends Review of Members’ Fundraising, Roll Call, June 25, 2010.
  13. Id.
  14. Id.
  15. Jonathan D. Salant, Ethics Panel Clears Murtha on Donations, Bloomberg News, February 27, 2010.
  16. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Office Extends Review of Members’ Fundraising, Roll Call, June 25, 2010.
  17. Id.
  18. Id.
  19. Jeff Coen and John Chase, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.: Feds Step Up Inquiry, Chicago Tribune, April 9, 2009; Ben Pershing, Ethics Committee Looking at Jackson’s Pursuit of Senate Seat, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  20. Pershing, Washington Post, Oct. 30, 2009.
  21. Natasha Korecki, Ethics Board Launches Probe into Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Sun-Times, April 7, 2009.
  22. Coen and Chase, Chicago Tribune, Apr. 9, 2009.
  23. Id.
  24. Susan Saulny and Christopher Drew, Investigators Take a Closer Look at Rep. Jackson in Blagojevich Case, New York Times, April 13, 2009; Pershing, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  25. Carol D. Leonnig, 7 On Defense Panel Scrutinized, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  26. Id.
  27. Salant, Bloomberg News, Feb. 27, 2010.
  28. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Office Extends Review of Members’ Fundraising, Roll Call, June 25, 2010.
  29. Id.
  30. Id.
  31. Jerry Kramer and Dean Calbreath, Lewis Subject of Earmarks Investigation, Copley News Service, May 12, 2006.
  32. Id.
  33. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Office Extends Review of Members’ Fundraising, Roll Call, June 25, 2010.
  34. Id.
  35. Id.
  36. John Bresnahan, Subpoena Issued to Gregory Meeks in Probe, Politico, April 15, 2010.
  37. Id.
  38. Id.
  39. Kenneth Lovett, Barbara Ross and Greg B. Smith, Federal Grand Jury Probes Real Estate and Nonprofit Deals for Malcolm Smith, other Queens Pols,Daily News, April 2, 2010.
  40. Bresnahan, Politico, Apr. 15, 2010.
  41. William Heisel, FBI probing Rep. Miller’s Land Sales, Los Angeles Times, January 31, 2007; Perry Bacon Jr. and Paul Kane, Miller’s Real Estate Profits Reviewed By Committee, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  42. Heisel, Los Angeles Times, Jan. 31, 2007.
  43. Bacon Jr. and Kane, Washington Post, Oct. 30, 3009.
  44. Id.
  45. Ellen Nakashima and Paul Kane, Dozens in Congress Under Ethics Inquiry, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  46. Jeffrey H. Birnbaum, West Virginia Democrat is Scrutinized, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  47. Id.
  48. Paul Kane, Justice Dept. Ends Probe of Rep. Mollohan, Washington Post, January 26, 2010.
  49. Jennifer Yachnin, DOJ Ends Probe of Rep. Mollohan; Is Ethics Next?, Roll Call, January 27, 2010.
  50. Id.
  51. Carol D. Leonnig, 7 On Defense Panel Scrutinized, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  52. Id.
  53. Salant, Bloomberg News, Feb. 27, 2010
  54. Andy Sheenan, FBI Probes Claims Against Congressman Murphy, KDKA, December 14, 2006.
  55. Shira Toeplitz, Pennsylvania: Murphy Spends $27K on Undisclosed Legal Fees, Roll Call, January 30, 2009.
  56. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Office Extends Review of Members’ Fundraising, Roll Call, June 25, 2010.
  57. Id.
  58. Id.
  59. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Office Extends Review of Members’ Fundraising, Roll Call, June 25, 2010.
  60. Id.
  61. Id.
  62. Ellen Nakashima and Paul Kane, Dozens in Congress Under Ethics Inquiry, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  63. David Kocieniewski, For Rangel, Four Rent Stabilized Apartments, New York Times, July 11, 2008.
  64. Christopher Lee, Rangel Acknowledges Seeking Gifts, Washington Post, July 24, 2008.
  65. Isabel Vincent and Susan Edelman, Tricky Charlie’s Carib Hideaway, New York Post, August 31, 2008.
  66. David Kocieniewski, The Congressman, the Donor and the Tax Break, New York Times, November 24, 2008.
  67. Susan Crabtree, House Ethics Committee Announces Expanded Investigation into Rep. Rangel, The Hill, October 8, 2009.
  68. John Bresnahan, Rangel Spends Big on Legal Fees, Politico, April 15, 2009.
  69. John Bresnahan, Pelosi: Rangel Ethics Investigation Will Be Done By Early January, Politico, November 26, 2008.
  70. Democrats Reject Move to Strip Rangel of Chairmanship, Associated Press, February 10, 2009.
  71. Crabtree, The Hill, Oct. 8, 2009.
  72. David Kocieniewski and Carl Hulse, Panel Admonishes Rangel for Taking Trips as Gifts, New York Times, February 25, 2010.
  73. Larry Margasak and Tom Raum, Rangel Gives Up Post, Associated Press, March 3, 2010.
  74. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Committee Opens Investigation Into Waters, Richardson, Roll Call, October 29, 2009.
  75. Id.
  76. Jeff Gottlieb, Rep. Richardson’s Sacramento Home is Focus of House Ethics Probe, Los Angeles Times, October 28, 2009.
  77. John Bresnahan and Jonathan Allen, Richardson Case Sent to Ethics Panel, Politico, October 28, 2009.
  78. U.S. House of Representatives. Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. 111th Congress. Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct regarding Representative Fortney “Pete” Stark, December 24, 2009.
  79. Id.
  80. Id.
  81. Carol D. Leonnig, 7 On Defense Panel Scrutinized, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  82. Id.
  83. Salant, Bloomberg News, Feb. 27, 2010.
  84. Kevin Nevers, Visclosky Cleared, Refused to Be Interviewed in PMA Probe, Chesterton Tribune, March 2, 2010.
  85. Paul Singer, Tiahrt Decision Highlights Tensions Over Ethics Process, Roll Call, March 1, 2010.
  86. Carol D. Leonnig, 7 On Defense Panel Scrutinized, Washington Post, October 30, 2009; David D. Kirkpatrick and Charlie Savage, Lawmaker Said to Surface in Lobbying Inquiry, New York Times, April 3, 2009.
  87. Kirkpatrick and Savage, New York Times, Apr. 3, 2009.
  88. Paul singer, Visclosky Seeks to Use Campaign Funds for Legal Defense, Roll Call, April 20, 2009.
  89. Lindsay Renick Mayer, PMA Group and Clients Paid Out $40 Million to Current congress, OpenSecrets.org, March 12, 2009.
  90. Maureen Groppe, Rep. Vislocksly Gives Questionable Funds to Treasury, Journal and Courier, April 14, 2009.
  91. Singer, Roll Call, Apr. 20, 2009; Alex Knott, FEC Approves Money for Visclosky Staffers, CQ Politics, August 27, 2009.
  92. John Bresnahan, Visclosky Subpoenaed by Federal Grand Jury, Politico, May 29, 2009.
  93. Sylvia A. Smith, House Panel Exonerates Visclosky in Ethics Case, The Journal Gazette, February 27, 2010.
  94. Kevin Nevers, Visclosky Cleared, Refused to Be Interviewed in PMA Probe, Chesterton Tribune, March 2, 2010.
  95. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Committee Opens Investigations Into Waters, Richardson, Roll Call, October 29, 2009.
  96. Jake Sherman, House Ethics Panel Probes Rep. Watesr, Wall Street Journal, September 18, 2009.
  97. Id.
  98. Id.
  99. Ben Pershing, House Subcommittee Created to Investigate Rep. Maxine Waters, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
  100. Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Office Extends Review of Members’ Fundraising, Roll Call, June 25, 2010.
  101. Id.
  102. Susan Crabtree, House Ethics Office Investigation Advances, The Hill, June 25, 2010.
  103. Id.
  104. Yachnin, Roll Call, Jun. 25, 2010.
  105. Carol D. Leonnig, 7 On Defense Panel Scrutinized, Washington Post, October 30, 2009
  106. Id.
  107. Salant, Bloomberg News, Feb. 27, 2010.
  108. Erika Bolstad, FBI Looks at Bribery Allegations Against Alaska Rep. Young, McClatchy, October 23, 2009.
  109. Greg Gordon and Erika Bolstad, Young’s $10 Million Earmark Focus Of Inquiry, Seattle Times, August 19, 2009.
  110. Bolstad, McClatchy, Oct. 23, 2009.
  111. Id.
  112. Id.
  113. Id.
  114. Dennis Zaki, Alaska Republican Congressman Don Young in Serious Legal Trouble, Alaska Report, July 16, 2007.
  115. Bolstad, McClatchy, Oct. 23, 2009.
  116. J. Taylor Rushing, Ethics Panel Opens Probe on Sen. Burris, The Hill, February 17, 2009.
  117. Monica Davey and Dirk Johnson, 2 Investigations Into Burris Are Begun, New York Times, February 17, 2009.
  118. Id.
  119. Letter available at http://ethics.senate.gov/downloads/pdffiles/burris_112009.pdf
  120. John Bresnahan and Manu Raju, DOJ Could Take Ensign Case, Politico, October 14, 2009; Martina Stewart, Boxer: Ethics Committee Doing Preliminary Ensign Investigation, CNN, October 4, 2009.
  121. Bresnahan and Raju, Politico, Oct. 14, 2009; Stewart, CNN, Oct. 4, 2009.
  122. J. Patrick Coolican, Ensign Acknowledges Extramarital Affair, Las Vegas Sun, June 16, 2009.
  123. Eric Lipton and Eric Lichtblau, Senator’s Aid After Affair Raises Flags Over Ethics, New York Times, October 2, 2009.
  124. Jon Ralston, Face to Face, Las Vegas 1, July 9, 2009 (available at: http://www.lasvegassun.com/videos/sets/2009/jul/09/exclusive-interview-part-2/).
  125. Lisa Mascaro, Ensign’s $96,000 Question: Severance Pay or Gift to Hamptons?, Las Vegas Sun, July 16, 2009.
  126. Eric Lipton and Eric Lichtblau, Inquiries on Senator Ensign Are AnticipatedNew York Times, October 3, 2009.< li>
  127. Manu Raju and John Bresnahan, FBI Gets Involved In John Ensign Affair, Politico, January 19, 2010.
  128. Id.
  129. David Kocieniewski, Inquiry Focuses on Former Aide to Menendez, New York Times, August 28, 2007.
  130. Id.
  131. Jeff Whelan and Josh Margolin, Feds Probe Menendez Rental Deal, Star-Ledger, September 8, 2006.
  132. Kocieniewski, New York Times, Aug. 28, 2007.
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