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Politics
Washington lobbyists called before Senate panel


Two Washington lobbyists who took at least $50 million from tribes have been called to testify before a Senate committee today.

But news reports suggest the Senate Indian Affairs Committee may not get anything out of lobbyist Jack Abramoff or public relations consultant Michael Scanlon. According to the reports, Abramoff plans to exercise his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination while Scanlon might not show up because he cannot be located.

The pair are supposed to testify about their lobbying activities on behalf of several tribes. Representatives of two of those clients -- Richard Milanovich, chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California, and the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan -- are on the witness list.

The hearing begins at 9:30 am after the committee considers three bills. A live video feed can be found at http://indian.senate.gov. An audio-only link can be found at http://www.capitolhearings.org.

Get the Story:
Abramoff is expected to take Fifth (The Hill 9/29)
Parties Bicker Amid Abramoff Inquiry (The Washington Post 9/29)
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