U.S. Congressman to step down after conviction

Xinhua News Agency

WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry announced on Saturday, Mar. 26, that he will resign from office, two days after being convicted of three felonies.

Fortenberry, a Nebraska Republican who has served in Congress since 2005, said that his last day as a federal legislator will be March 31, according to a letter he sent to his House colleagues.

“Due to the difficulties of my current circumstances, I can no longer effectively serve,” he wrote.

Fortenberry, 61, was found guilty on Thursday of one count of scheming to falsify and conceal material facts and two counts of making false statements to federal investigators.

The conviction arose from a federal investigation into “illegal contributions made by a foreign national” to Fortenberry’s 2016 re-election campaign.

A sentencing hearing was scheduled for June 28. Each of the three felony charges carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.

A special election will be held no later than 90 days after Fortenberry’s seat becomes vacant, according to rules.

The U.S. federal law prohibits contributions made directly or indirectly by or from foreign nationals in connection with any federal, state, or local election. (Xinhua) – bny

Popular

PBBM ramps up agri support: Admin to expand P20 rice rollout, plant 15M coconut seedlings

By Brian Campued Vowing to give his all in the last three years of his administration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to expand programs...

PBBM lauds PH standing on global stage, expresses gratitude to OFWs

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised the integrity of the Philippines on the global stage, citing the level of respect and...

PBBM tackles future of PH road, rail transportation

By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet In his speech at the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) held at Batasang Pambansa, Quezon City, this Monday; President...

PBBM highlights ‘zero balance billing’ in DOH hospitals, touts improved PhilHealth benefits

By Brian Campued President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured the public that they no longer have to pay for basic accommodation services in Department of...