There were reports in December that the Justice Department was “considering” looking into the alleged bribe Rep. Nick Smith (R-Mich.) was offered in exchange for his vote on Bush’s Medicare bill in November, but there weren’t any follow-up reports. We also learned recently that the House Ethics Committee was investigating the controversy, but there’s been no word about progress.
Yesterday we learned, however, that the FBI is, in fact, engaged in this controversy. As Roll Call reported:
Three months after a controversial floor vote propelled Rep. Nick Smith (R-Mich.) into the national spotlight, FBI agents are looking into alleged attempts to sway the Michigan Republican during a tense Nov. 22 showdown on Medicare reform, according to sources.
Smith declined to comment on whether he has had discussions with the FBI, and it is unclear if agents have actually interviewed him yet. But sources said Smith has indicated he will not seek protection under the Speech or Debate Clause, which restricts lawmakers from being questioned about legislative activity.
The injection of federal law enforcement officials into the mix raises the stakes in a controversy that has simmered since the late November vote on adding a prescription drug benefit to the Medicare program.
It’s always good news when federal law enforcement officials actually care about crimes being committed on the House floor.
I’m thinking grand jury by mid-summer and indictments by early October, right before the election. Is that too much to ask?