Panel to Probe Powerful Lawmaker

The House Ethics Committee began an investigation of Pennsylvania Rep. Bud Shuster, an influential Republican whose Transportation Committee authorizes highway and mass transit programs that affect every state. The committee acted on a complaint challenging the propriety of Shuster’s personal and professional ties with Ann Eppard, a transportation lobbyist who was his congressional chief of staff for 22 years. Ann Eppard Associates, specializing in issues before Shuster’s committee, took in $1.1 million from 17 clients in 1996, House records show. Her firm had 23 active clients this year and took in $740,000 in the first six months. “I’m pleased that the committee is moving expeditiously. This is the proper procedure,” Shuster said.