Investigation called for of U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster
This is a letter I recently sent to Congressman Charles W. Dent, chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ethics.
Like father, like son. That is the sad conclusion many people in and around Pennsylvania’s 9th Congressional District are drawing when they hear of the dealings involving an elected U. S. congressman and his “private and personal relationship” with lobbyist Shelley Rubino. The coincidences are uncanny. Bill Shuster’s father, Bud Shuster was also the chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee when questions were raised about his relationship with a former assistant turned lobbyist. It appears that there is a family pattern in these matters.
Thus, I am deeply concerned about the joint activities between elected officials and any industry representatives who have a special interest in manipulating legislation when there might be a conflict of interest. Special interests that undermine and even dampen the competitiveness of industries need to stop.
On Oct. 4, 2000, the Committee on Ethics voted unanimously to sanction Bud Shuster by issuing a Letter of Reproval for an alleged violation of “the Code of Official Conduct” bringing “discredit to the House of Representatives.” I encourage you to read both: 1) the full October 5, 2000 Press Release and 2) the Report of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct printed on Oct. 16, 2000 (over 150 pages long, plus exhibits).
Some might conclude that Bud Shuster’s incident was over 16 years ago and that times have changed. On the contrary, According to the Politico last April, Rubino made over $400,000 in 2013 and “A4A and its employees have contributed more than $20,000 to Shuster’s campaign committees.” While those donations may be within the FEC limits, these raise questions about the relationship.
? Specifically, 18 U.S.C. § 201, Subsection C, Paraphrase B, states the following: “being a public official, former public official, or person selected to be a public official, otherwise than as provided by law for the proper discharge of official duty, directly or indirectly demands, seeks, receives, accepts, or agrees to receive or accept anything of value personally for or because of any official act performed or to be performed by such official or person;”
? The House Ethics Committee Manual’s standards (2008 edition) concerning gifts found on pages 39 and 40, which states:”Gifts Given on the Basis of Personal Friendship.” A Member, officer, or employee may accept any gift that is given by an individual on the basis of personal friendship, unless the official has reason to believe that, under the circumstances, the gift was provided because of his or her official position with the House, and not because of the personal friendship (House Rule 25, clause 5(a) (3) (D). However, a gift exceeding $250 in value – including, for example, a trip – may not be accepted on the basis of personal friendship unless the Standards Committee issues a written determination that the personal friendship provision applies (House Rule 25, clause 5(a)(5).”
Has the Standards Committee issued “a written determination” regarding the personal friendship between Bill Shuster and Shelley Rubino? One has not seen other chairmen of committees regularly associating, and indeed having “private and personal” relationships with lobbyists who have special interests in those same committees. Where are the boundaries in the relationship between Bill Shuster and the Airlines for America lobbyists? That is not clear to the American public. I would like to request clarity on this matter.
It’s stunning to witness Bill Shuster following his father’s ways. Why hasn’t there been an investigation on Bill Shuster in your committee? The safety concerns alone involving the American airline industry would make a number of leaders investigate this unhesitatingly. After nearly a year of this news, at the very least, Pennsylvanians need assurances that with you at the helm, the House is maintaining its high standard of ethics. I look forward to your reply.
Sincerely,
Monica Morrill
Stoystown