The Cloud Over John Murtha: A Breakdown

Congressman John Murtha, D-Pa., has ties to a number of entities and individuals that are either under federal investigation or have received information requests in connection with ongoing federal investigations. Here's a breakdown:

• In January, federal agents executed search warrants at the business and home of brothers Bill and Ron Kuchera.

• In April, the U.S. Navy suspended new business with Kuchera Defense Systems for "alleged fraud, including multiple incidents of incorrect charges, defective pricing, and ethical violations."

Murtha Connections to Kuchera:

• Based in Murtha's home district.

• Kuchera employees donated more than $65,000 to Murtha since 2002.

• Murtha's August 2008 fundraiser was held at the Kuchera's game ranch which was later raided by federal agents.

• Murtha helped Kuchera get $14.7 million in earmarks over two years and a missile contract that could be worth up to $100 million (source: Politico 6/1/09).

Murtha Comment:

• When asked by a reporter about the investigation:"So what's that got to do with me? What do you think, I oversee these companies? That's the Defense Department's job. That's not my job."

See also:

>More on Kuchera from the Washington Post

• In November, federal agents executed search warrants at PMA's offices. Firm shut down after the raid. Federal agents are looking into whether PMA's founder improperly funded campaign contributions to Murtha and other members of Congress.

Murtha Connections:
• Founder Paul Magliocchetti is former House Appropriations Committee staffer who worked with Murtha.

• PMA clients and staff donated $2.38 million to Murtha over 10 years (source: Center for Responsive Politics).

• Murtha helped direct more than $97 million in earmarks to PMA clients in '07-'08.

Murtha comment:

• Denies wrongdoing and says he has not been named a target in the criminal investigation into PMA.

Person: Rep. Peter Visclosky, D-Ind.

Information sought from Visclosky

• In May, Visclosky's offices were subpoenaed in the PMA (above) investigation. Visclosky has been major recipient of PMA-related campaign donations.

Murtha Connection:

• Considered close Murtha ally.

Visclosky comment:

• Says he will cooperate fully in probe and has stepped down as Chair of House Energy Water Appropriations during the investigation.

See also:
Rep. Murtha Wants $134M In Earmarks

Ethics Panel Reviews Lawmakers' Cash Flow

Information sought from CTC:

• In April, 2008, FBI and Pentagon investigators subpoenaed CTC for information on defense contracts.

• Parent company to subsidiary CRI (below), which has also been subpoenaed in federal investigation.

Murtha Connections:

• Located in Murtha's hometown.

• Has received a billion dollars-plus in defense contracts and earmarks with help from Murtha and PMA (above).

• Murtha recently announced two more government contracts for CTC: $16 million for a Marine Corps data program and $50 million for services to the military and other federal agencies.

• Employees have donated over $95,000 to Murtha's campaigns since 2002.

See also:
Earmarks Linked To Campaign $$

• In April, 2008, FBI subpoenaed CRI.

• A government contract award for up to $45 million is under investigation.

• The Pentagon Inspector General launched an investigation in 2007 after allegations that CRI paid $26,000 to a Pentagon official who was waiting to be confirmed for a top Air Force procurement position. The official told a Washington Post reporter that he hadn't done any work to earn the CRI payments. Weeks later he committed suicide.

Murtha Connections:

• Located in Murtha's hometown.

• Subsidiary of CTC (above) and located in same office building.

See also:
>Murtha and Commonwealth Research Institute

• FBI has been asking questions about the center, its funding, and its relationship to Murtha.

Murtha Connections:

• Started with help of earmarked funds from Murtha in his home state.

• Murtha helped steer $250 million in contracts and earmarks to the Center.

See also:
>Questions about Murtha Contract Awards

• FBI has been asking questions about Mountaintop, and subpoenaed information on one of its grants in Monongahela, Pa. (source: Monongahela City Clerk interview).

Murtha Connections:

• Located in Murtha's home town.

• Selected by Murtha to give out and monitor grants to small police departments in his home state.

• Murtha helped company get $36 million over 8 years in earmarks and military contracts.

• Used lobby firm where Murtha's brother had worked.

• Mountaintop executives have donated more than $40,000 to Murtha

• Federal officials are investigating for allegedly diverting federal funds for commercial profit.

Murtha Connections:

• People connected to ProLogic have donated more than $70,000 to Murtha since 2002.

• Was a client of PMA lobbying firm which is under federal investigation(above).

• While under investigation, received $2.4 million earmark from Murtha.

Murtha Comment: Murtha has not agreed to an interview with CBS News and has not specifically addressed many of these issues.

Of various controversies surrounding his steering of federal funds to his home district, Murtha told the Pittsubugh Post-Gazette: "If I'm corrupt, it's because I take care of my district. My job as a member of Congress is to make sure that we take care of what we see is necessary. Not the bureaucrats who are unelected over there in whatever White House, whether it's Republican or Democrat. Those bureaucrats would like to control everything. Every president would like to have all the power and not have Congress change anything. But we're closest to the people."