More on Abramoff, Bush and the White House

A new report by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform concludes:

The documents and testimony obtained by the Committee in this investigation confirm that that Mr. Abramoff and his associates had access and influenced some actions at the White House. While the Committee’s investigation was limited by potential Fifth Amendment claims by several White House officials and Abramoff lobbyists and the Committee’s accommodation of Justice Department concerns, the new documents and testimony show that Mr. Abramoff had personal contact with President Bush, that high-level White House officials held Mr. Abramoff and his associates in high regard and solicited recommendations from Mr. Abramoff on policy matters, and that Mr. Abramoff and his associates influenced some White House actions. The new information obtained by the Committee also corroborates findings of the Committee’s September 2006 staff report that Abramoff team offered White House officials expensive tickets and meals, at least some of which were accepted. In addition, the Committee’s investigation shows that the White House failed to provide public accountability regarding its relationship with Jack Abramoff.

The Washington Post covers this story with the following headline:

Abramoff's Gifts Didn't Influence Bush, Report Says

Comment: Ahrgh! JAD

Source: Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington