You did what for half a million dollars?
Earlier this morning, we brought you word of Jack Abramoff’s 
work for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) – which included arranging for a Congressional Delegation led by Rep. Don Young (R-AK) to visit the islands. But $500,000 in lobbying fees buys you so much more.
As we noted in our first post, Abramoff’s work for the Marshall Islands eventually led to a lawsuit. And in the complaint, obtained by TPMmuckraker.com, Abramoff’s then-firm Preston Gates sets forth the services he provided.
According to the complaint one of Abramoff’s services was (from page 5 of the complaint) …
Drafting, finding sponsorship for, and overseeing the mark-up of three bills on behalf of the RMI concerning payments by the United States and assumption of responsibility for nuclear tests conducted on or near the atolls of Rongelap, Bikini, and Enewetok. This work was interrupted by the non-payment of fees and charges by a new Administration for the RMI.
Now, that’s a full service firm! Abramoff and Co. actually drafted and ushered through three bills on behalf of the RMI. Not advised on them – drafted them.
We’re still trying to get in touch with Young, who was the committee chairman at the time, to find out his side of the story. So far his office isn’t returning our calls.
