Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Congressman Mark Kirk Goes After Congressional Felons
Congressman Mark Kirk introduced legislation in mid-December to plug that loophole. There are 36 others, including Illinois Congressmen Don Manzullo, Judy Biggert and John Shimkus, co-sponsoring the bill.
The Hill’s article reports Kirk as saying the some two dozen sponsors were “building a critical mass for reform.”
The various legislators are targeting bribery, embezzlement, perjury, illegal compensation, fraud, solicitation and tax evasion.
Similar legislation has overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House before after Ohio Democratic Congressman James Traficant went to jail, but it was shot down by the Senate.
The legislation comes in the wake of the plea agreement and resignation of Vietnam war hero Congressman Duke Cunningham, a Republican from California.
This year, Republicans seem to be in most danger, what with Jack Abramoff’s lobbying scandal. Abramhoff developed an alliance with Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) after Newt Gingrich became U.S. House Speaker. His primary recent clients were casinos. A Chicago Tribune story last Friday presents a summary of Abramhoff’s career, which started in Massachusetts organizing Young Republicans for Reagan’s 1980 campaign.
“Sources say a half-dozen lawmakers are under scrutiny,” the Tribune says, pointing out that two of Abramhoff’s former top assistants have cut plea agreements and agreed to testify against their former boss, whose trial about alleged fraud in the purchase of Florida casino boats starts January 9th.
The proposed legislation would not be retroactive, however. Felons like former Democratic Congressman Dan Rostenkowski would still be eligible for his pension. Rostenkowski was forced into retirement at Club Fed by Federal authorities.
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.
The Hill’s article reports Kirk as saying the some two dozen sponsors were “building a critical mass for reform.”
The various legislators are targeting bribery, embezzlement, perjury, illegal compensation, fraud, solicitation and tax evasion.
Similar legislation has overwhelmingly passed the U.S. House before after Ohio Democratic Congressman James Traficant went to jail, but it was shot down by the Senate.
The legislation comes in the wake of the plea agreement and resignation of Vietnam war hero Congressman Duke Cunningham, a Republican from California.
This year, Republicans seem to be in most danger, what with Jack Abramoff’s lobbying scandal. Abramhoff developed an alliance with Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas) after Newt Gingrich became U.S. House Speaker. His primary recent clients were casinos. A Chicago Tribune story last Friday presents a summary of Abramhoff’s career, which started in Massachusetts organizing Young Republicans for Reagan’s 1980 campaign.
“Sources say a half-dozen lawmakers are under scrutiny,” the Tribune says, pointing out that two of Abramhoff’s former top assistants have cut plea agreements and agreed to testify against their former boss, whose trial about alleged fraud in the purchase of Florida casino boats starts January 9th.
The proposed legislation would not be retroactive, however. Felons like former Democratic Congressman Dan Rostenkowski would still be eligible for his pension. Rostenkowski was forced into retirement at Club Fed by Federal authorities.
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.
# posted by Cal Skinner : 8:30 AM
