FBI Probe Sidelines GOP Lawmaker
For the second time in as many days, a Republican member of Congress is stepping down from a sensitive committee because he's being investigated by the FBI, CBS News correspondent Bob Fuss reports.
Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., is the subject of a probe into a questionable land swap. He denies any wrongdoing but is temporarily leaving his position on the House Intelligence Committee.
On Thursday, California Republican John Doolittle temporarily gave up his seat on the House Appropriations Committee after the FBI searched his house in connection with his ties to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff — who did business with Doolittle's wife.
In a statement issued Thursday from Washington, Renzi said, "The FBI came to my family's business to obtain documents related to their investigation.
"I view these actions as the first step in bringing out the truth. Until this matter is resolved, I will take a leave of absence from the House Intelligence Committee. I intend to fully cooperate with this investigation."
Renzi, elected to his third term last November, did not elaborate on the federal probe.
The Arizona Republic reported that FBI agents raided an insurance agency owned by Renzi's wife in Sonoita, a town near Sierra Vista.
Renzi referred all questions to his Washington-based attorney, Laura Miller, who did not immediately return calls Thursday night.