Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Washington) says he doesn't know Jack Abramoff but his links to the disgraced lobbyist are becoming an issue.

Hastings is chairman of the House ethics panel, which is due to investigate House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas) and Rep. Bob Ney (R-Ohio) over their ties to Abramoff. That is leading some to call for Hastings to step down from his leadership role because his staff once worked closely with Abramoff's old law firm to help one of Abramoff's clients.

Hastings represents Washington's 4th District, which includes parts of the Yakama Nation. He introduced a bill that would amend the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) to allow scientific study of remains like the Kennewick Man, whom the Yakama Nation claims as an ancestor [House Testimony].

Get the Story:
Pasco congressman in rare spotlight (The Seattle Times 6/10)
Several residents urge Hastings to resign from House ethics committee (AP 6/10)
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Relevant Links:
Rep. Doc Hastings - http://hastings.house.gov

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