Congress- New Management, Same Corruption

[Xiahou]

Here's just a taste of some of the stories that I've read about over the last few days:

William Rep. Jefferson Indicted

Jefferson was indicted today by a federal grand jury on 16 charges related to alleged official corruption. He has the distinction of being the first federal official ever to be indicted for allegedly breaking the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Rep. Paul Kanjorksi funnels money to bankrupt business owned/run by family members
This one is really too good- you'll just have to read it.

Diane Feinstein - Military Contracts
This one is tough to find coverage of. CREW used to have a really good article excoriating her, but someone reminded them that they're only supposed to go after Republicans and they removed all references to it.

As chairperson and ranking member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON) from 2001 through the end of 2005, Feinstein supervised the appropriation of billions of dollars a year for specific military construction projects. Two defense contractors whose interests were largely controlled by her husband, financier Richard C. Blum, benefited from decisions made by Feinstein as leader of this powerful subcommittee.

Lastly, Earmark Reform?

The new game that House Appropriations Chairman David Obey intends to play with budget earmarks this year is worse than the usual hide-and-seek. He is taking the whole thing underground, as though he is to be trusted as a one-man auditor for congressional pork. If this is to be the new ethic that Democrats promised, voters might want their ballots back.