Free Republic

Embattled former Trump White House national security adviser Michael Flynn is joining a new consulting firm, Stonington Global, which offers lobbying, public affairs and investment advisory services. The hire comes as Flynn is looking at potential jail time stemming from the special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Last December, the former lieutenant general pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. He is currently cooperating with Special Counsel Robert Mueller. On the same day of the announcement, Flynn faced another sentencing hearing where his lawyers pushed to speed up the process, saying Flynn is “ready to...

WASHINGTON The House ethics committee has approved a $2 million payout from a lobbying firm to a top Appropriations Committee staffer. The lobbying firm's ties to Appropriations Chairman Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., are under federal investigation. Jeff Shockey got $1.96 million in severance payments when he left Washington-based Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton, & White early last year to become deputy staff director of the Appropriations Committee. The payments have been criticized by government watchdog groups because Copeland, Lowery, which specializes in helping clients that want federal funding for projects, frequently lobbies the Appropriations Committee. "It appears that the terms of your...

The lobbying firm whose ties to Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, are under investigation announced Friday it is splitting into two groups. The three Republican named partners - including Lewis' friend and former California congressman Bill Lowery - will continue to lead the existing firm, while the two Democratic partners will form a separate partnership. A statement from Copeland, Lowery, Jacquez, Denton & White attributed the decision to "the current media focus on the firm." "All the partners remain focused on their client work, discussing issues on Capitol Hill, and working with regulatory agencies every single day," the statement said. "We...