Doolittle takes leave from Appropriations

OAKTON, Va., April 19 (UPI) -- A California congressman linked to disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff resigned temporarily Thursday from the U.S. House Appropriations Committee.

Rep. John Doolittle, R-Calif., took the step a few days after FBI agents searched his house in Oakton, Va., The Washington Post reported.

"I understand how the most recent circumstances may lead some to question my tenure on the Appropriations Committee," Doolittle said in a letter to House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio. "Therefore, I feel it may be in the best interest of the House that I take a temporary leave with seniority from this committee until this matter can be resolved."

The FBI has been investigating reported links between Abramoff -- who was convicted on multiple fraud, bribery and money-laundering charges -- and Doolittle, who has been in Congress for almost 20 years.

Doolittle's former chief of staff, Kevin Ring, left the congressman's staff to work for Abramoff's Greenberg Traurig law firm. Ring resigned from the firm suddenly last week.

Investigators told The Hill they suspect Ring may have been involved in Abramoff's decision to hire the consulting firm of Doolittle's wife.