Don Young used his power as Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to steer vast sums of public money to his family and campaign donors. Young allowed his committee to become a spot for the funneling of influence and favors to convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

As Transportation Committee Chairman, Young hired Mark Zachares as his committee’s chief counsel. Zachares pleaded guilty to corruption charges in the Abramoff scandal, admitting in federal court on April 27, 2007 that he traded favors with Abramoff while working for Young.