Dept. of Education Propaganda Scandal: AG Urged to Investigate Possible Criminal Violations

Reports: Administration May Have Paid Columnist Armstrong Williams for Services Not Performed

WASHINGTON, DC – The scandal over the use of covert propaganda by the Bush Administration widened today, as four United States Senators urged Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to launch an immediate criminal investigation into whether the Department of Education (DoE) paid columnist Armstrong Williams for services he never performed.

Senators Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA), Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), John F. Kerry (D-MA) and Byron Dorgan (D-ND) cited information revealed in Friday’s GAO report on propaganda that raised the separate issue of possible contract fraud. Specifically, the GAO revealed that the Department of Education could not produce evidence that Mr. Williams completed 167 “activities” he claimed to have performed under the contract. The GAO, conducting its own search on the Internet, was also unable to locate evidence that these “activities” were performed. Three days after these issues were exposed in the GAO report, an article in Monday’s edition of USA TODAY revealed that Mr. Williams is now seeking to repay some of the $186,000 he received under the contract “because he didn't promote the law or ask others to do so, as the contract required.”

The propaganda contract with Armstrong Williams is not only a sign of the culture of corruption within the White House, but also reveals the carelessness that the Administration took with funds intended to educate America’s students. The money given to Williams to spread propaganda should be returned to the Treasury immediately, as that amount could allow 58 more students get the extra help they need under No Child Left Behind. Fraud and propaganda should have no place in our democracy — the American people deserve better,” said Senator Kennedy.

Over the past few days, information has come to light that raises questions about possible criminal violations surrounding the Department of Education’s contractual relationship with Mr. Armstrong Williams. We strongly urge you to open an immediate investigation,” wrote the lawmakers.

Taking taxpayer dollars for work you didn’t do is fraud – period,” said Senator Lautenberg. “Americans are already upset that the Bush Administration paid off a columnist to write glowing reviews of the President’s education agenda. The notion that he may not have even done the work only makes it worse. Did the Administration knowingly enter into a ‘no-show’ contract?”