Jan 7, 2020

GOP Rep. Duncan Hunter submits letter of resignation

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) on Tuesday submitted his letter of resignation, effective Jan. 13, after pleading guilty last month to misusing campaign funds.

The big picture: Hunter, who had been a staunch ally of President Trump in Congress, is alleged to have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds for personal use, including on gas, groceries, lavish dinners and vacations. Hunter changed his "not guilty" plea six months after his wife Margaret Hunter admitted to the charges and agreed to testify against him.

Go deeper: The members of Congress departing in 2020

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Zachary Basu

Prosecutors recommend almost 5 years in prison for former GOP Rep. Chris Collins

Rep. Chris Collins. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call

Federal prosecutors recommended Monday that former Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) be sentenced to up to 57 months in prison for pleading guilty to insider trading last year.

Why it matters: Collins was the first congressman to endorse President Trump in 2016 and resigned in September after changing his not-guilty plea. Prosecutors argue that he should not receive leniency because he continued to serve in Congress while hiding his crimes.

Go deeperJan 13, 2020

Zachary Basu

Schiff dismisses calling Hunter Biden in exchange for Trump impeachment witnesses

Lead House impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) said Wednesday that senators shouldn't entertain the idea of calling Hunter Biden to testify at President Trump's impeachment trial in exchange for other administration witnesses, telling reporters: "This isn't like some fantasy football trade."

Go deeperJan 22, 2020

Ursula Perano

Michael Flynn seeks to formally withdraw his guilty plea

Michael Flynn. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images

Former national security adviser Michael Flynn filed court papers on Tuesday to withdraw his guilty plea related to allegedly lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russia’s ambassador to the U.S.

Why now: The move comes only one week after the Justice Department shifted its position on his punishment, recommending he serve up to six months in prison, and comes days before his Jan. 28 sentencing.

Go deeperJan 15, 2020