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OCE Referral for Dismissal Regarding Rep. John Murtha

February 26, 2010
Investigations

OCE Referral for Dismissal Regarding Rep. John Murtha

On December 2, 2009, the OCE transmitted a referral to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of the United States House of Representatives regarding Representative John Murtha.

Nature of Review

In Fiscal Year 2009, Representative John Murtha authored several earmarks for clients of PMA Group, Inc. (hereafter "PMA"). During campaign cycles 2008 and 2010, Representative Murtha received contributions to his campaign committee and "Leadership PAC" from PMA's PAC, PMA employees, the PACs of PMA clients for whom he authored earmarks, and the employees of those clients.

If Representative Murtha solicited or accepted contributions or other items of value in exchange for or because of an official act, or solicited or accepted contributions or other items of value in a manner which gave the appearance that the contributions were linked to an official act, then Representative Murtha may have violated 18 U.S.C. § 201(b) (Bribery), 18 U.S.C. § 201(c)(Illegal Gratuities), 5 U.S.C. § 7353 (Gifts to Federal Employees), and House Rules and Standards of Conduct.

OCE Recommendation

The Board of the OCE recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismiss the above allegations.

Committee Conclusion

On February 26, 2010, the Committee issued a report closing its investigation of this matter and dismissing it.