FANNIE MAE AND FREDDIE MAC

The Senate Finance Committee is investigating whether government-sponsored loan companies Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have improperly used their charitable foundations to avoid campaign-finance laws, reports The Wall Street Journal. The Senate committee is expanding its probe into several charities tied to Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist who pleaded guilty to bribery and other corruption charges last month. Spokesmen for the two companies said they were not aware of any ongoing investigations, and declined comment.

Also: Read The Chronicle’s story on legislation passed last fall to regulate these two companies. (A paid subscription is required to read these articles.)