Rep. Steny Hoyer wants an ethics probe of lawmakers’ ties to PMA.
Yesterday, the House number two pushed through a resolution requiring the Ethics committee to disclose whether it’s investigating members who took money from the now-defunct lobbying firm. And speaking at a breakfast event today, reports The Hill, Hoyer made clear that the true intent of the measure was a declaration that “this is a serious matter and ought to be looked at.” He also said Speaker Nancy Pelosi supported the move.
The FBI is currently investigating whether PMA linked campaign contributions to earmarks. The move for a congressional probe — led by Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) — gained momentum last week when Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-IN) acknowledged that he had been subpoenaed in the federal investigation. Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) — a close Pelosi ally with whom Hoyer has clashed in the past — has also been the subject of scrutiny for his close ties to the lobby firm.