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Pols Flout Ethics Law on Trip to Carib Isle

Opulent weekend was funded by top corporations

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Nov 30, 2008 8:18 PM CST

(Newser) – Six US lawmakers, all members of the Congressional Black Caucus, have been caught rubbing shoulders with lobbyists on a trip that violates federal ethics laws, the New York Post reports. Joining them were three New York officials, including the state's governor—who avoided breaking the law by paying his own expenses. The annual conference was sponsored by corporate heavyweights such as Verizon and Citigroup.

Two Congress members—Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel and Caucus chair Carolyn Kilpatrick—said they had filed travel requests to Congress, but the Post found none. New Jersey Rep. Donald Payne filed, but failed to mention the corporate donors. "We are unaware of any corporate sponsors," his spokeswoman said, although company banners hung behind the main podium.

Charles Rangel, right, was among those who attended the event.
Charles Rangel, right, was among those who attended the event.   (AP Photo/Rocky Mountain News, Ken Papaleo)
  (Shutterstock)
Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick also enjoyed a stay at an opulent Caribbean resort while attending a conference sponsored by companies.
Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick also enjoyed a stay at an opulent Caribbean resort while attending a conference sponsored by companies.   (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Puerto Rico's Governor-elect Luis Fortuno, left, and David Paterson shake hands after a meeting in San Juan. Paterson says he paid for his own travel for a recent Caribbean conference.
Puerto Rico's Governor-elect Luis Fortuno, left, and David Paterson shake hands after a meeting in San Juan. Paterson says he paid for his own travel for a recent Caribbean conference.   (AP Photo/Jose Rosario)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Shannonals
Nov 30, 2008 9:55 PM CST
If travel request are not found, they the members of Congress should be punished
Mr.C
Nov 30, 2008 9:34 PM CST
think they will ask for a bailout soon? :-)
Guest
Nov 30, 2008 8:23 PM CST
Right on, Shannonals!

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