Columnist settles over payments

Columnist and television commentator Armstrong Williams has reached a settlement with prosecutors over money he received from the Education Department to promote President Bush’s agenda.

Under the deal, Williams admits no wrongdoing but will have to repay $34,000 that prosecutors determined he was overpaid under his $240,000 contract.

The settlement ends a yearlong investigation into the case after reports that the Education Department contracted with radio, television and print commentators to promote the No Child Left Behind Act.

Congressional auditors concluded the department engaged in illegal “covert propaganda” by hiring Williams without requiring him to disclose he was paid.