House Member Links to PMA Examined

House Ethics Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren and ranking member Jo Bonner said Thursday the committee is reviewing allegations that some lawmakers may have steered earmarks to companies in exchange for campaign contributions.

The statement by committee leaders is the first public acknowledgement that the panel is looking at member activities linked to a now-closed lobbying firm, The PMA Group. The Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation of the firm.

Earlier this month, the House referred to the Ethics Committee a resolution asking it to report on any actions it has taken “concerning any misconduct of members and employees of the House in connection with activities of the PMA Group.”

Read more: (“House Panel Examining Member Links to PMA,” CongressDaily AM, 6/12/09)