Prosecutors seek more records on DeLay's 2000 trip with Abramoff

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Prosecutors seek more records on DeLay's 2000 trip with Abramoff


AUSTIN -- Prosecutors pursuing conspiracy and money laundering charges against former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay have asked a travel agency to turn over records on a European trip he took in 2000 with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The subpoena issued Wednesday by Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle seeks documents on travel services bought by Abramoff for himself, DeLay, DeLay's wife, a former DeLay aide turned lobbyist and two others.

The subpoena includes statements from Abramoff's credit card showing he paid the travel agency nearly $40,000 for the group's airfare for the trip to England and Scotland. It is against House rules for a lobbyist to put a congressman's expenses on his credit card.

DeLay, R-Texas, is awaiting trial on the conspiracy and money laundering charges and denies any wrongdoing. He was forced by party rules to step down from his House leadership post after he was indicted.