"He wanted certain outcomes and for the committee to do certain things," said one congressional aide who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the investigation. "That obviously raised red flags with staff."
Despite those concerns, the aide said, Cunningham's requests often were granted. For that reason, the aide added, portions of the report could be embarrassing to committee staff and leadership. Another aide said that "staff felt pressured by Cunningham" and often acquiesced, "not wanting to offend him or make him upset."
Congressional aides from both parties said the Intelligence Committee had implemented changes to guard against similar abuses in the future.
In particular, aides said, lawmakers must now get written approval from the panel's top Republican or Democrat before they can submit requests that specific programs or contracts receive funding in spending bills. Requests also must be reviewed by budget directors on the Republican and Democratic committee staffs.
Cunningham abused the congressional process known as earmarking, in which members insert language in large spending bills that steer funds to specific projects, often in their home districts.
Once the funding was in place, Cunningham also pressured budget officers at the Pentagon and other agencies to award contracts to companies led by individuals who gave the lawmaker millions of dollars in cash and gifts. Among those still under investigation by federal authorities is San Diego defense contractor Brent R. Wilkes.
The committee's report is expected to provide significant new detail on Cunningham's efforts to insert provisions in intelligence budgets, which are shielded from public scrutiny because they are classified.
The report also is said to include new information on the activities of Kyle Dustin "Dusty" Foggo, a former high-ranking CIA official and lifelong friend of Wilkes who cultivated close relationships with members of the House Intelligence Committee.
Foggo resigned from the No. 3 position at the agency earlier this year and is under investigation for his role in handling CIA contracts awarded to companies controlled by Wilkes.
As part of its internal inquiry, the committee has sought to question Cunningham. But the former lawmaker has rebuffed those requests, citing his plea agreement and ongoing cooperation with federal prosecutors in San Diego.
