House, Senate members disclose finances

Lawmakers caught up in ethics investigations have plenty of cash — just in case they someday face hefty lawyers' bills.

House and Senate members detailed their finances Wednesday in the midst of public and government scrutiny of certain dealings that have caused Congress' popularity to drop.

The reports require lawmakers to list last year's assets and debts, along with any income beyond the $162,100 salary for the rank-and-file House and Senate members. Rules require lawmakers to donate their speaking fees to charity and to limit gifts from any individual to $100 in a year.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., holds blind trusts worth $7.5 million to $36 million. He reported making $5 million last year from the largest, worth between $5 million to $25 million.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060614/ap_on_go_co/congress_disclosures

Chuck Hagel has most of his money in the McCarthy Group. Does the name ring a bell with anyone?

If Pete Rickets wins against Nebraska's wealthiest politician, Senator Ben Nelson, he will become the wealthiest politician in the state.

Is anyone surprised they both want to do away with the death tax? Rickets according to one newspaper considers it a jealousy tax. This is the same man who's father started Ameritrade, and wants private accounts for social security and health accounts. Hey Pete if you happen to read this, if the U.S. has 45 million people that can't afford insurance how are they going to fund your tax shelter, I mean health accounts?