Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Lawmaker Expects Federal Indictment

Rep. Joseph M. McDade of Pennsylvania, the ranking Republican on the House Appropriations Committee, said he expects the Justice Department to indict him on charges possibly tied to campaign contributions or a defense contract. McDade, 60, said he expects to be cleared of any wrongdoing. He said federal prosecutors have focused on his efforts to secure a defense contract for a company, Chem-Con Corp., that later made improper contributions to his campaign, and on certain gratuities he received, including half a dozen free trips on corporate aircraft. A spokesman for the Justice Department said he had no comment on the case.