Senator Feinstein Conflict of Interest (hands in the war profiteering cookie jar)

[Starbuck1975]

San Jose, Calif., January 25, 2007 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein?s husband was a major beneficiary of military appropriations blessed by a subcommittee that she headed, Metro Newspapers reports this week.

Feinstein (D-Calif.) acted in a conflict of interest while approving billions of dollars in military construction expenditures for the global war on terror, according to an investigative story by award-winning journalist Peter Byrne. The story was published jointly in the North Bay Bohemian and Metro Silicon Valley weekly newspapers this week. Research assistance was provided by the Investigative Fund of the Nation Institute.

Following Feinstein?s participation at the legislative level, large contracts were awarded to two firms ? URS Corporation and Perini Corporation ? that were controlled by an investment group headed by the senator?s spouse, financier Richard C. Blum.

Byrne's investigation reveals the following details about Feinstein?s service as a member of the United States Senate?s Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON).

I believe this story may be a bit dated, as a quick google search provides a long trail of news reports on this story.

It is inevitable that the Cheney/Halliburton connection will come up in this thread, so I am throwing it out on the table now. Many on this forum have made accusations of war profiteering on the part of the Cheney/Halliburton...and they are right in those accusations. Some of the stories that have emerged since the war in Iraq began certainly demonstrate a clear case of people lining their own pockets.

Now to those of you who have been so critical of Halliburton over the past few years, does that same standard of outrage apply to Feinstein. While perhaps not a case of overt corruption, this story does indicate a fairly significant conflict of interest and lack of judgement on the part of Senator Feinstein and her husband.

With the recent calls by Pelosi and the Democrats to establish and enforce ethical standard on members of Congress, do those standards apply to their own?

 

[daniel49]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975

San Jose, Calif., January 25, 2007 -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein?s husband was a major beneficiary of military appropriations blessed by a subcommittee that she headed, Metro Newspapers reports this week.

Feinstein (D-Calif.) acted in a conflict of interest while approving billions of dollars in military construction expenditures for the global war on terror, according to an investigative story by award-winning journalist Peter Byrne. The story was published jointly in the North Bay Bohemian and Metro Silicon Valley weekly newspapers this week. Research assistance was provided by the Investigative Fund of the Nation Institute.

Following Feinstein?s participation at the legislative level, large contracts were awarded to two firms ? URS Corporation and Perini Corporation ? that were controlled by an investment group headed by the senator?s spouse, financier Richard C. Blum.

Byrne's investigation reveals the following details about Feinstein?s service as a member of the United States Senate?s Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON).

I believe this story may be a bit dated, as a quick google search provides a long trail of news reports on this story.

It is inevitable that the Cheney/Halliburton connection will come up in this thread, so I am throwing it out on the table now. Many on this forum have made accusations of war profiteering on the part of the Cheney/Halliburton...and they are right in those accusations. Some of the stories that have emerged since the war in Iraq began certainly demonstrate a clear case of people lining their own pockets.

Now to those of you who have been so critical of Halliburton over the past few years, does that same standard of outrage apply to Feinstein. While perhaps not a case of over corruption, this story does indicate a fairly significant conflict of interest and lack of judgement on the part of Senator Feinstein and her husband.

With the recent calls by Pelosi and the Democrats to establish and enforce ethical standard on members of Congress, do those standards apply to their own?

ha ha your funny.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Is it too early to start the Culture of Corruption chants?

I love how the story labels her actions as being "beneficial to her husband" as opposed to "funneling money to her bank account". :laugh:

For those of you who don't understand why some people complain about a left bias in the press, there ya go. She used the system to line her pockets. Plain and simple. And as dirty as this is, the press still tries to create as much space as they can between her and the primary beneficiary of her actions. (Herself)

Edit: I'm not commenting on the facts... Just they way they are being presented.

 

[chowderhead]

you should really link to the new article so we can read the whole thing. This news story was first reported by two free Bay Area newspapers that I have never heard of before.
article

A major problem I have with the article is this basic factual mistake in the second paragraph.

As chairperson and ranking member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON) from 2001 through the end of 2005, Feinstein supervised the appropriation of billions of dollars a year for specific military construction projects. Two defense contractors whose interests were largely controlled by her husband, financier Richard C. Blum, benefited from decisions made by Feinstein as leader of this powerful subcommittee.

There is no way that Feinstein was the chairperson of MILCON from 2001 to the end of 2005 when Republicans mostly controlled the Senate. Kay Bailey Hutchison was the chair of that subcommittee. If they cannot report that basic fact correctly and other news agencies that are more reputable haven't picked up the story ... then I would take the story with a grain of salt.

 

[dahunan]

I have never seen a politician who wasn't corrupt.. they get where they are by taking an oath that they will stab anyone in the back and steal any tax money they can and profit at any expense to their souls.. **key is whoever has the most power is normally the worst for that time period

I know I could possibly be persuaded to think otherwise but I feel Republicans, as a whole, seem to seem to love corporations more than humanity itself.. that is just a personal opinion..

 

[Starbuck1975]

you should really link to the new article so we can read the whole thing. This news story was first reported by two free Bay Area newspapers that I have never heard of before.

I actually found the story posted on fark.com a few days ago. Since then, numerous posters have provided links to various Bay area newspapers that reported the story.

Fark thread

The Metroactive website has the most thorough article on this story. Seemingly, the story has not penetrated for national attention yet.

 

[OrByte]

they should investigate the hell out of her if she is doing something wrong.

Feinstein is a perfect example of why we need term limits. Ted K being another example.

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Originally posted by: dahunan
I have never seen a politician who wasn't corrupt.. they get where they are by taking an oath that they will stab anyone in the back and steal any tax money they can and profit at any expense to their souls.. **key is whoever has the most power is normally the worst for that time period

I know I could possibly be persuaded to think otherwise but I feel Republicans, as a whole, seem to seem to love corporations more than humanity itself.. that is just a personal opinion..

:laugh:
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|

*Dem gets caught with hand in the cookie jar*

ALL POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPT!

It's gonna be a fun two years here. :thumbsup:

 

[dahunan]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: dahunan
I have never seen a politician who wasn't corrupt.. they get where they are by taking an oath that they will stab anyone in the back and steal any tax money they can and profit at any expense to their souls.. **key is whoever has the most power is normally the worst for that time period

I know I could possibly be persuaded to think otherwise but I feel Republicans, as a whole, seem to seem to love corporations more than humanity itself.. that is just a personal opinion..

:laugh:
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|

*Dem gets caught with hand in the cookie jar*

ALL POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPT!

It's gonna be a fun two years here. :thumbsup:

I said they are all bad.. but I feel Dems aren't as far to the darkest parts of the soul that Repubs are..

It is too bad that WE allow politicians as much unbridled power that they have

 

[theeedude]

Looks like Republicans are still in denial and instead of cleaning their own house, they are pointing fingers.
They'll be in the minority for a long time.

 

[palehorse]

They are almost all cut from the same cloth.

If this story is at all accurate, it shouldnt be a surprise to anyone.

 

[Arcex]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: dahunan
I have never seen a politician who wasn't corrupt.. they get where they are by taking an oath that they will stab anyone in the back and steal any tax money they can and profit at any expense to their souls.. **key is whoever has the most power is normally the worst for that time period

I know I could possibly be persuaded to think otherwise but I feel Republicans, as a whole, seem to seem to love corporations more than humanity itself.. that is just a personal opinion..

:laugh:
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|
REPUBLICANS ARE BAD :|

*Dem gets caught with hand in the cookie jar*

ALL POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPT!

It's gonna be a fun two years here. :thumbsup:

But... all politicians are bad. Where have you been?

And are you honestly trying to tell me that Republicans in general don't do more to increase profits and limit accountability for corporations than Democrats? Seriously, read some history, this isn't a recent occourance, it's been happening for years.

Buy this book, read it, then tell me that Republicans don't support big business and politicians don't lie and cheat. Go ahead, I'll wait.

 

[dmcowen674]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975

With the recent calls by Pelosi and the Democrats to establish and enforce ethical standard on members of Congress, do those standards apply to their own?

😎 They've learned well from Republicans :thumbsup:

 

[DVK916]

Originally posted by: chowderhead
you should really link to the new article so we can read the whole thing. This news story was first reported by two free Bay Area newspapers that I have never heard of before.
article

A major problem I have with the article is this basic factual mistake in the second paragraph.

As chairperson and ranking member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON) from 2001 through the end of 2005, Feinstein supervised the appropriation of billions of dollars a year for specific military construction projects. Two defense contractors whose interests were largely controlled by her husband, financier Richard C. Blum, benefited from decisions made by Feinstein as leader of this powerful subcommittee.

There is no way that Feinstein was the chairperson of MILCON from 2001 to the end of 2005 when Republicans mostly controlled the Senate. Kay Bailey Hutchison was the chair of that subcommittee. If they cannot report that basic fact correctly and other news agencies that are more reputable haven't picked up the story ... then I would take the story with a grain of salt.

2001-2003 the senate was controlled by democrats after a republican defected.

 

[ayabe]

Originally posted by: OrByte
they should investigate the hell out of her if she is doing something wrong.

Feinstein is a perfect example of why we need term limits. Ted K being another example.

I agree.

Two terms for Senate and HoR

 

[imported_Shivetya]

same ******, different mascot.


actually this story has been around awhile but was unfavorable to the favored party of the press.

 

[Starbuck1975]

Looks like Republicans are still in denial and instead of cleaning their own house, they are pointing fingers. They'll be in the minority for a long time.

Head meet sand...Republicans are in the unfortunate position of having to accept that the leaders they entrusted to guide the party have failed miserably...shame on us.

However, your post demonstrates a clear case of denial, something many of you accused us of I don't know how many times in the past few years...I admit it was difficult at times to accept the failing of my own party, and to see those failings lead to its perhaps deserved defeat at the hands of the Democrats.

Shoe is on the other foot now, and this story illustrates that Democrats exhibit the same manifestations of corruption exhibited by Republicans...deflecting the issue is irrelevant.

They've learned well from Republicans

They have learned well from each other...I have said this before, but now that the Democrats have the spotlight, stories like this are going to start emerging...not because of some vast right wing media conspiracy, but because as the majority party, skeletons start to fall out of the closet.

 

[theeedude]

Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.
Here is the full article.
http://www.metroactive.com/feinstein/

 

[techs]

The issues with the Haliburton contracts has been that they were no bid. And the total lack of oversight as to the performance of the contracts along with the outright fraud in Hallifburtons billing practices. With this case we are talking about contracts that were competitive and actually came in front of Congress.
And Feinstein was a member of the minority party that was completely frozen out of decision making at the time this happened.

Move, along. Nothing to see here.

 

[Jaskalas]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975

With the recent calls by Pelosi and the Democrats to establish and enforce ethical standard on members of Congress, do those standards apply to their own?

😎 They've learned well from Republicans :thumbsup:

GO TEAM! :beer:

 

[chowderhead]

Originally posted by: DVK916

Originally posted by: chowderhead
you should really link to the new article so we can read the whole thing. This news story was first reported by two free Bay Area newspapers that I have never heard of before.
article

A major problem I have with the article is this basic factual mistake in the second paragraph.

As chairperson and ranking member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON) from 2001 through the end of 2005, Feinstein supervised the appropriation of billions of dollars a year for specific military construction projects. Two defense contractors whose interests were largely controlled by her husband, financier Richard C. Blum, benefited from decisions made by Feinstein as leader of this powerful subcommittee.

There is no way that Feinstein was the chairperson of MILCON from 2001 to the end of 2005 when Republicans mostly controlled the Senate. Kay Bailey Hutchison was the chair of that subcommittee. If they cannot report that basic fact correctly and other news agencies that are more reputable haven't picked up the story ... then I would take the story with a grain of salt.

2001-2003 the senate was controlled by democrats after a republican defected.

That is why I said mostly. The Democrats controlled the Senate from around May 2001 to January of 2003. That doesn't sound like 2001 to the end of 2005.

 

[WHAMPOM]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy

Originally posted by: dahunan
I have never seen a politician who wasn't corrupt.. they get where they are by taking an oath that they will stab anyone in the back and steal any tax money they can and profit at any expense to their souls.. **key is whoever has the most power is normally the worst for that time period

I know I could possibly be persuaded to think otherwise but I feel Republicans, as a whole, seem to seem to love corporations more than humanity itself.. that is just a personal opinion..

:laugh:
REPUBLICANS ARE GOOD:sun:
REPUBLICANS ARE GOOD:sun:
REPUBLICANS ARE GOOD:sun:

*Repub gets caught with hand in the cookie jar*

ALL POLITICIANS ARE CORRUPT!

It's gonna be a fun two years here. :thumbsup:

And vicy versa? Well?

 

[Starbuck1975]

The issues with the Haliburton contracts has been that they were no bid. And the total lack of oversight as to the performance of the contracts along with the outright fraud in Hallifburtons billing practices.

No bid contracts are quite common in the defense industry, particularly in instances where only one company has the capabilities to provide a particular service or technology...no bid contracts are not the issue...however, Halliburton's questionable billing practices are an issue worth investigating.

With this case we are talking about contracts that were competitive and actually came in front of Congress. And Feinstein was a member of the minority party that was completely frozen out of decision making at the time this happened.

Did you miss this part of the article:

As chairperson and ranking member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON) from 2001 through the end of 2005, Feinstein supervised the appropriation of billions of dollars a year for specific military construction projects.

Now, unless the article is incorrect in its explanation of Feinstein's role, I would hardly call being the ranking member and chairperson of MILCON being frozen out of the decision making process.

 

[jimkyser]

Originally posted by: Starbuck1975

As chairperson and ranking member of the Military Construction Appropriations subcommittee (MILCON) from 2001 through the end of 2005, Feinstein supervised the appropriation of billions of dollars a year for specific military construction projects.

Now, unless the article is incorrect in its explanation of Feinstein's role, I would hardly call being the ranking member and chairperson of MILCON being frozen out of the decision making process.

Then the question becomes, when were these contracts awarded. Because, as was noted above, Feinstein would not have been chairperson of MILCON after the mid-term elections in 2002, Hutchinson was. If they were awarded after January 2003, Feinstein would have at most been the ranking Democrat on the committee.

 

[Starbuck1975]

Then the question becomes, when were these contracts awarded. Because, as was noted above, Feinstein would not have been chairperson of MILCON after the mid-term elections in 2002, Hutchinson was. If they were awarded after January 2003, Feinstein would have at most been the ranking Democrat on the committee.

True, although chairing a particular committee does not remove a potential conflict of interest...serving on the committe in and of itself introduces some level of questionable ethical conduct...it then becomes a question of whether or not Feinstein influenced or otherwise swayed the committee towards her husband's firm.

In a perfect world, members of Congress would remove themselves from any committee that makes decisions that could be of financial benefit to their friends and family...but perhaps that is too much to ask.