FBI interested in Feeney tape | video

FLORIDA TODAY WASHINGTON BUREAU

April 24, 2007 

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney said today he is "voluntarily cooperating" with the Justice Department in a probe to any ties between the Oviedo Republican and convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Last week, FBI contacted FLORIDA TODAY to ask for a copy of an interview it taped of Feeney meeting with the paper's editorial board. The FBI also contacted The Orlando Sentinel and the St. Petersburg Times with similar requests, the papers reported in today's editions.

Feeney had accompanied Abramoff, along with other lawmakers, lobbyists and Hill staffers, on a luxury golfing trip to Scottland. The House ethics committee said the trip violated House rules and Feeney reimbursed the government $5,643 for the trip.

"Rep. Feeney considers this an embarrassing episode in his 17-year career as an elected official and an expensive lesson for him as a public servant," his office said in a statement.

Feeney's statement said the lawmaker "looks forward to promptly resolving this matter."