Congressman raises questions about Armstrong probe

WASHINGTON – A congressman has criticized the criminal probe of seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong. The lawmaker suggests the lead investigator is motivated by a desire to bring down a celebrity.

Republican Rep. Jack Kingston, of Georgia, made the comment Friday at a House appropriations subcommittee hearing on the budget for the Food and Drug Administration, where investigator Jeff Novitzky works.

FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said the agency is taking steps to more closely monitor Novitzky's office.

The probe stems from a former teammate's allegations that Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs and taught other riders how to beat drug testing. Armstrong has denied the allegations.

Kingston said Novitzky appeared to be acting on his own, and the congressman asked Hamburg for numbers on how much has been spent on the investigation.