McConnell reportedly earmarked $25M

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., reportedly tucked $25 million in earmarked funds for British defense contractor BAE Systems into an appropriations bill.

McConnell, the Senate minority leader, inserted the money for three BAE systems into the bill that passed the Senate Oct. 3, The Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

BAE has a facility in the Lexington area and has also acquired United Defense Industries. BAE has given McConnell $53,000 in campaign contributions, while UDI donated $500,000 to his foundation.

The Justice Department is investigating allegations that BAE bribed Prince Bandar bin Sultan, head of the Saudi National Security Council. Prime Minister Tony Blair halted a British investigation into the matter, saying it might harm relations with Saudi Arabia.