House Republicans Unveil New Ethics Plan
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
WASHINGTON (AP) – House Republicans moved to seize the initiative for ethics reform Tuesday with a comprehensive package of changes, including the banning of privately sponsored travel like that arranged by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
“I know that fact-finding trips are important, but private travel has been abused by some,” Speaker Dennis Hastert said at a news conference.
Hastert, an Illinois Republican, responded aggressively after months of inaction and unfavorable headlines about lawmakers’ ties to Abramoff, who showered donations, expensive meals, travel and skybox seats on members of Congress. Abramoff has pleaded guilty to corruption-related charges and is cooperating with prosecutors.
