Frank Pallone: “over the weekend a former Republican Congressman accused Republican leaders here in the House of trying to bribe him in…”

“over the weekend a former Republican Congressman accused Republican leaders here in the House of trying to bribe him in order to gain his support for legislation he did not support. This is not the first time House Republicans attempted to bribe Members of their caucus to vote a certain way, nor will it probably be the last. This weekend on ``Meet the Press,'' former Republican Congressman Tom Coburn said the Republican leadership offered him a bribe to vote in favor of a transportation bill. Coburn told moderator Tim Russert that he did not want to support a Republican transportation bill because it was not paid for. So what did the Republican leadership do? I am quoting former Congressman Tom Coburn when he says, ``I was then offered a bribe by the committee to vote for the bill. I could have $15 million to spend wherever I wanted to.'' Coburn continues, ``I don't believe that's the kind of government we want. That's what we're seeing in Congress now with some of the ethical problems that are there.'' Mr. Coburn, I could not agree with you more. Unfortunately, the abuses of power have happened on the Republican Party's watch, and we will not see a change unless Democrats return to power both here in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.”