Rep. Doolittle gives up Appropriations seat

Friday, April 20, 2007  

Rep. John Doolittle (R-California) gave up his seat on the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday, less than a week after FBI agents raided his Virginia home.

Doolittle is linked to three investigations. One involves his wife, who received a cut of every campaign contribution she raised for him; another involves potential favors for convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and the third involves a former Defense contractor who was indicted on bribery charges.

Doolittle has defended Abramoff and took actions to help Abramoff's tribal clients. He pressed the Interior Department to reopen a casino for the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa and inserted comments into the Congressional record that praised the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Get the Story:
Congressman Quits Panel After Raid (The Washington Post 4/20)
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Lawmaker Tied to Inquiries Gives Up Seat on Committee (The New York Times 4/20)
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Doolittle off powerful panel (The Sacramento Bee 4/20)
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California Rep. Doolittle leaves House appropriations seat (The Los Angeles Times 4/20)
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Renzi's Business, Doolittle's House Searched; GOP Responds Quickly (Congressional Quarterly 4/19)

Relevant Links:
Rep. John Doolittle - http://www.house.gov/doolittle

FBI raids home of lawmaker linked to Abramoff (4/19)
Rep. Doolittle won't return convicted lobbyist's cash (4/4)
Rep. Doolittle's wife benefited from DeLay, Abramoff (03/20)
Ex-DeLay aide admits to fleecing wealthy tribes (4/4)
Ex-DeLay aide charged with corruption conspiracy (3/31)
Rep. Doolittle thought Abramoff did a great job for tribes (03/03)
Rep. Doolittle seeks re-election amid Abramoff scandal (2/24)
Rep. Doolittle praised Mississippi Choctaws (2/20)
Rep. Doolittle defends aid for Meskwaki Tribe (02/13)
Congressman returns money to Mississippi Choctaws (2/1)
Rep. Doolittle won't respond to Abramoff story (01/31)
Rep. Doolittle pressed DOI for Abramoff's tribes (01/30)
Tribal political donations under scrutiny in Washington (01/31)
California Congressman admits to liking Abramoff (01/24)
McCain blames both parties for 'out of control' lobbying (01/23)
Abramoff not in NIGA's camp but lobbyist came close (01/19)
Writer paid to praise Choctaws, Abramoff clients (12/16)
Opinion: Abramoff investigation hasn't gone far enough (12/7)
House Democrat leader seeks Abramoff-GOP probe (01/13)
Not all lawmakers are getting rid of Abramoff cash (01/06)
California Congressman linked to Jack Abramoff (11/30)
Abramoff probe spreads to members of Congress (11/28)
Abramoff probe looking into Congress, Bush (11/25)
Column: Here's the Abramoff thirtysomething (11/22)
Lawmakers intervened on behalf of Abramoff (11/17)