Leaders of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts say they have nothing to do with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff even though they hired his firm to lobby for their federal recognition.

The tribe paid $40,000 to the Greenberg Traurig firm in 2003 and 2004, The Cape Cod Times reports. But President Glenn Marshall said two other firm lobbyists -- not Abramoff -- worked for the tribe. The two lobbyists now work for another Washington lobbying firm

The lobbyists were apparently successful in inserting language in the 2004 Interior appropriations bill that urged the Bureau of Indian Affairs to move on the tribe's petition. The language read:

The managers are aware of the delays experienced by the Mashpee Wampanoag Indians in the recognition process and urge the Bureau to complete its review of the Mashpee petition as expeditiously as possible.

The bill also contained language drafted by Abramoff's firm that warned against reservation shopping.

Get the Story:
Tribe paid casino lobbyists (The Cape Cod Times 5/21)

Relevant Links:
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe - http://mashpeewampanoagtribe.com

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