Relatives of Congress Reap Tax Dollars for Pet Projects, Groups

[WAPO] After examining federal disclosure forms and local public records, the Washington Post uncovers an alarming number of members of Congress who send millions of tax dollars to companies, colleges and community groups where their spouses, children and parents work as salaried employees, lobbyists or board members.

[WAPO] Members of Congress have more leeway than executive branch officials or individuals in publicly held companies, who operate under stricter conflict-of-interest rules that generally prevent them from taking actions that might benefit businesses or institutions where their relatives work. The legislators set and enforce their own rules, giving themselves broad latitude to take steps that can end up directly benefiting their immediate family.

Earmarks need to be abolished permanently. Under no circumstances should a member of Congress be allowed to direct tax payer dollars to any organization affiliated with a family member. 

Kudos to the Washington Post for uncovering and running with this story.