Los Angeles Times
Copyright 2006 Los Angeles Times
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A congressional investigative committee charged 72 lawmakers with embezzling public health funds, influence peddling and corruption, and recommended that they face impeachment.
Three senators and 69 representatives in the lower house were charged. All but nine of the 72 are part of a government coalition backing President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is running for reelection in October.
Owners of a company that sold ambulances to 450 municipalities told police they bribed mayors and lawmakers with cash and cars and paid their travel expenses.