Power Trips
 
An investigation into congressional travel
In the summer of 2005, the Center for Public Integrity, Northwestern University's Medill News Service and American Public Media began examining disclosure documents for about 23,000 privately funded trips taken by members of Congress and staffers over a 5½-year period. While some of these trips no doubt were educational, others appeared to be thinly veiled attempts by special interests to influence lawmakers and their advisers.
With Change on the Horizon, Privately Funded Travel Plummets
Trips by lawmakers and staffers decline by nearly 50 percent, recent data show
WASHINGTON, January 3, 2007 — As the House of Representatives prepares to vote Thursday on sweeping changes to its gift and travel rules, new data show that members of Congress and their aides are accepting privately funded trips at a precipitously declining rate. >>
A Gateway to Brazil
Telecom firm linked to Jefferson bribe probe helped pay for his, others' travel
WASHINGTON, September 6, 2006 — In February 2004, Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., went to Africa to help set up deals for a telecommunications company whose top executive later pleaded guilty to bribing him. In April of that year, the congressman led a delegation on a weeklong tour of Brazilian cities sponsored in part by the same firm. >>
Drug Makers' Dime Funds Congressional Travel
Pharmaceutical companies, affiliated trade groups spent more than $600,000 on trips
WASHINGTON, August 30, 2006 — Members of Congress and their aides accepted more than $600,000 in free travel from pharmaceutical interests during a 5½-year period in which drug company profits climbed, in part due to federal legislation favorable to the industry. >>
A Vacation from the Rules
Some disclosure filings sketchy on details, tardy despite ethics oversight
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2006 — Much is known about James Dennis' trip to Europe in the spring of 2003. The 10-day trip took the aide to Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., to Berlin, Geneva and London, where he discussed "international tax matters" with local officials. His transportation cost $7,700, his food $1,140, and his lodging $2,180. >>
Sponsors' Gifts Present a Problem
Travelers took goods, services valued above $50 limit as part of expenses
WASHINGTON, June 27, 2006 — In January 2003, Katherine E. Dedrick went to the Kona Hawaiian Resort to speak at a conference sponsored by the American Association of Airport Executives, a trade group. >>
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