Jack Abramoff scandals

The investigations in Jack Abramoff led to several plea agreements by those involved, including Congressman Bob Ney (R-OH).[1] Abramoff himself also pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges, including tax fraud and bribing public officials.[2] Abramoff's activities also became an issue that many Democratic candidates raised in the November 2006 House and Senate elections, as the challengers painted the incumbent Republican Congress as corrupted by Abramoff and his powerful allies.[3][4][5] On March 29, 2006, Abramoff was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of more than $21 million.

As a result of Abramoff's criminal behavior, prominent politicians with close ties to Abramoff as well as hundreds of Congressional politicians who have received money from his clients (see the monetary influence of Jack Abramoff) came under media scrutiny (with some even donating the money to charity[6]), with lobbying reform proposals presented by both parties. In September 2006 both the Senate and House passed bills and rules changes to make public earmarks but not make other substantive lobbying reforms.[7]

  1. ^ "Ney Pleads Guitly to Corruption Charges". The Washington Post. October 13, 2006. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
  2. ^ "Abramoff Pleads Guilty to 3 Counts". The Washington Post. January 3, 2006. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
  3. ^ "'Culture of Corruption' in GOP? Democrats Hope Voters Think So". Los Angeles Times. January 5, 2006. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
  4. ^ Weisman, Jonathan (January 19, 2006). "Democrats Unveil Lobbying Curbs Democrats Unveil Lobbying Curbs". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2022-06-30.
  5. ^ "Populist Democrat Wins Montana Seat". Washington Post. November 8, 2006. Retrieved May 10, 2015.
  6. ^ Salmon, Jacqueline (January 7, 2006). "Abramoff Case Aids Region's Charities". Washington Post. Retrieved May 8, 2015.
  7. ^ "House Votes To Disclose Earmarks". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 2021-02-11.