Hayworth downplays links to Abramoff scandal

Politics
Hayworth downplays links to Abramoff scandal
Tuesday, June 28, 2005

A labor law measure sponsored by Rep. J.D. Hayworth (R-Arizona) has nothing to do with the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal, aides to the co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus said.

Hayworth pushed for a rider to delay a National Labor Relations Board decision affecting tribes two days after the Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing into Abramoff. Hayworth's office worked with lobbyists for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the tribe at the center of the hearing, according to The Washington Post.

But Hayworth aides said other tribes besides the Choctaws supported the measure. Kevin Ring, an ex-associate of Abramoff's, works for the Choctaws and the Hopi Tribe of Arizona, who is said to have supported the rider. Ring refused to testify at the hearing last week.

Hayworth, who has accepted some donations from Abramoff's former clients, plans to continue his push to exempt tribes from labor law even though the rider failed by a lopsided 256 to 146 vote.

Get the Story:
Hayworth still pushes to extend Indian exception for labor law (The Hill 6/28)

Floor Debate:
Tribal Labor Law Amendment (June 24, 2005)

Roll Call:
Hayworth of Arizona Amendment No. 14 (June 24, 2005)

Appropriations Bill:
Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (H.R.3010)

Labor Law Bill:
Tribal Labor Relations Restoration Act of 2005 (H.R.16)

National Labor Relations Board Decisions:
San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino | Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation

Relevant Links:
National Labor Relations Board - http://www.nlrb.gov