Corrupt congressman resigns
The week's news at a glance.
San Diego
California Republican Randy “Duke” Cunningham, a legendary former Navy fighter pilot, resigned in tears this week, admitting to taking $2.4 million in bribes to steer Pentagon contracts to certain defense contractors. He could receive up to 10 years in jail for receiving the bribes, which took the form of cash payments, antiques, a Rolls-Royce, and yacht club fees. Cunningham’s career as a Navy fighter ace in Vietnam inspired the movie Top Gun. He has served eight terms in Congress. “He did the worst thing an elected official can do—he enriched himself through his position and violated the trust of those who put him there,” said U.S. Attorney Carol Lam. With his voice quavering, Cunningham, 63, told reporters, “In my life I have known great joy and great sorrow. And now I know great shame.”
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
Why does the U.S. need China's rare earth metals?
Today's Big Question Beijing has a 'near monopoly' on tech's raw materials
By Joel Mathis, The Week US
-
When did divorce begin?
The Explaine Couples have always split up, but the institution has undergone major changes over the years
By David Faris
-
What are your retirement savings account options?
The explainer The two main types of accounts are 401(k) plans and individual retirement accounts (IRAs)
By Becca Stanek, The Week US