Culture of Corruption: Group files Justice Department complaint against Texas congressman

RAW STORY


A Washington watchdog called on the Justice Department today to begin an official investigation into whether Texas Rep. Pete Sessions (R-TX) received bribes from a San Fransisco defense firm in exchange for supporting earmarks that benefited the company, RAW STORY has learned.

Citizens for Ethics and Responsibility in Washington filed the complaint Wednesday. The group has "filed" repeated ethics complaints before -- but the complaint against sessions was filed with the Justice Department, instead of simply being announced publicly. Ethics complaints must be filed by a member of Congress; Justice Department complaints can be made by anyone.

The group's complaint also alleges that Rep. Sessions had substantive ties with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Their release follows, along with the complaint.


Abramoff Ties

CREW’s complaint alleges that Rep. Sessions co-signed two letters, one to former Attorney General John Ashcroft in 2001 and another to former Interior Secretary Gale Norton in 2002, which benefitted Mr. Abramoff’s client, the Louisiana Coushatta. One month after his 2002 letter was sent, Rep. Sessions’ political action committee, PETE PAC, received $3,500 from the Louisiana Coushatta and another $3,500 from other tribes with casinos. Within 18 months, PETE PAC received $20,500 from tribes associated with Abramoff.