Smith Probe Now Official (House Bribery Investigation)

[NewJerseyDem]

http://www.rollcall.com/issues/49_95/news/4815-1.html (subscription required)

Ending months of speculation, the House ethics committee announced Wednesday that it has begun an official investigation into allegations that unnamed GOP lawmakers improperly pressured Rep. Nick Smith (R-Mich.) to back a Medicare prescription drug bill during a controversial Nov. 22 vote.

The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct voted Wednesday to establish an investigative subcommittee to “conduct a formal inquiry regarding certain allegations related to voting on the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003,” the panel said in a statement released Wednesday. The full ethics panel had met behind closed doors earlier in the day to approve the step, the first time in two years that an investigative subcommittee has been authorized.

The statement added: “The investigative subcommittee will have jurisdiction to conduct a full and complete inquiry into alleged communications received by Representative Nick Smith linking support for the congressional candidacy of his son with Representative Smith’s vote on that legislation.”

The investigative subcommittee will issue a report to the full panel at the end of its inquiry, a document that does not have to be released publicly unless the committee votes to take further action.

[Jade Fox]

1. I was wondering what had happened with this incident...

and afraid that it got drowned in the flood of Republican scandals.

Good old fashioned bribary and strong-arming are something everyone
understands. This has the potential to have an impact, and I hope it does!

[Ravy]

2. This, combined with the news that the cost estimates were bogus...

... may get some legs.

Let's hope so.

[WatchWhatISay]

9. Legs?!?!?!

This story can't even get a face! (of the perpetrator)

[peekaloo]

3. seems Hastert and Delay were the first to scream "Not Me"

when this story first surfaced.

more smoke and mirrors?????

[markses]

5. He who runs when no one has accused

Pigs.

[markses]

4. Sounds like a great process for passing laws

Hey, Nicky. Wanna you sonny boy to get the good spot? Do what we say and we'll 'elp 'im out, eh?

These people are little better than half-witted mafioso - and I qualify to leave out the smart mafioso, who surpass the House Republicans in style, comportment, and above all ethics. Disgusting trash. And to think, the welfare of our seniors is dependent on strong-arm lies, hidden numbers, and petty nepotistic bribery. Disgusting.

[bain_sidhe]

6. But, Repukes will outnumber Dems, right?

I'm not gonna get all excited just yet. Given the party line votes in every committee chaired and dominated by repukes, I suspect they'll find that there wasn't any wrongdoing after all...

nothing to see here, move along...

[NewJerseyDem]

8. The Ethics committee is evenly divided

And the special subcommittee to investigate this will be evenly divided as well.

[bain_sidhe]

10. Well then, things are looking up

at least a bit! Thanks for the info!

[DeepModem Mom]

7. kick

[emalejim9]

11. Pelosi on a roll today

Just caught the replay on C-Span tonight and she is digging in her heels. I think this issue needs some traction. Lets get it going. I would enjoy viewing the fake media tapes on the major networks that tie into this larger issue (crime). Get the word out.