Rep. Tom Feeney (R-FL) is a third-term member of Congress, representing Florida’s 24th congressional district. Rep. Feeney’s ethics violations stem from his relationship with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff and three trips he took in apparent violation of House travel and gift rules. Rep. Feeney was included in CREW’s 2005, 2006, and 2007 congressional corruption reports.
Improper Travel
Rep. Feeney traveled to Scotland to play golf from August 9-14, 2003 initially claiming that the cost of the trip was paid for by the National Center for Public Policy Research. The Center denied paying for the trip and it appears that Jack Abramoff was the person who actually footed the bill. Rep. Feeney violated House rules prohibiting members from accepting travel paid for by lobbyists and taking trips that are primarily recreational.
On January 3, 2007, the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct found that Rep. Feeney had inappropriately accepted the privately funded trip, which had no official connection to congressional duties. Rep. Feeney was directed to repay the general Treasury. The FBI is now looking into Rep. Feeney’s relationship with Mr. Abramoff and Rep. Feeney has established a legal defense fund to defray his legal fees.
Rep. Feeney visited South Korea on a trip sponsored by the Korea-U.S. Exchange Council (KORUSEC), despite the fact that the organization is registered with the Department of Justice under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Rep. Feeney violated the House rule prohibiting members from accepting travel expenses from agents of a foreign principal.
Rep. Feeney and his wife traveled from Orlando, Florida to West Palm Beach, Florida to speak at “Restoration Weekend” from November 13-November 16, 2003. According to the travel disclosure form Rep. Feeney originally submitted to the House Clerk’s office, this trip, which cost $1,430, was paid for by a registered lobbying firm, something prohibited by House rules.
Failing to Disclose Information on Financial Disclosure Forms
In his 2003 and 2004 financial disclosure forms, Rep. Feeney failed to disclose that he was the co-owner of a rental property in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Rep. Feeney violated the rule requiring members to disclose all rental property.
Federal Investigation
The federal investigation into Rep. Feeney’s ties to former lobbyist Jack Abramoff is ongoing, but Rep. Feeney has done little to distance himself from Mr. Abramoff. In November of 2007, Todd Boulanger, a former top aide to Mr. Abramoff, held a fundraiser for Rep. Feeney. Mr. Boulanger is a registered lobbyist with Cassidy & Associates and represents clients with financial regulatory interests. Rep. Feeney is a member of the House Financial Services Committee.
Legal Fees
Rep. Feeney’s campaign committee has paid $60,000 in legal fees since July of 2007. Since July 2007, Rep. Feeney’s legal defense trust has paid FTI Consulting over $56,000 and his campaign committee has paid the company an additional $12,000. Apparently, FTI, which specializes in computer forensics and email recovery, was hired to help Rep. Feeney recover documents to provide to the Department of Justice.
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