GOP Leader Accused of Doing Philip Morris' Bidding June 12, 2003
News Summary
Rep. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), one of the top Republican leaders in the House of Representatives, made highly unusual last-minute changes to a homeland-security measure to benefit tobacco company Philip Morris, a major contributor to Blunt's reelection fund.The Washington Post reported June 11 that Blunt, the House GOP Whip, quietly tried to slip an amendment into the homeland-security measure to crack down on Internet tobacco sales and sales of contraband cigarettes.
Blunt made the changes without the knowledge of House leaders and only hours before a vote was scheduled. Once GOP leaders learned of the changes, they worked successfully to get the amendment removed. "It had not been fully vetted and there was no sign-off from the Judiciary Committee, and that's why it didn't go in the homeland-security bill," said a spokesperson for House Speaker Dennis Hastert.
Blunt has received large campaign contributions from Philip Morris, has son works for the company, and Blunt has a close personal relationship with Abigail Perlman, the Washington lobbyist for Philip Morris.
GOP leaders tried to keep the Blunt/Philip Morris story quiet. Republican sources told the Washington Post that the party was worried that the incident would be embarrassing, especially since Blunt only recently was elected to a leadership position. Republicans also said that Blunt's actions had angered GOP leaders because there was little support for legislation that would help the tobacco industry.
Blunt defended the Philip Morris legislation as "good policy."
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