The Nancy Pelosi-influenced House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it is closing investigations into alleged campaign finance violations involving four members of Congress, including two high-profile Republicans. In a detailed press release, the committee stated that while some members may have failed to comply with campaign finance regulations fully, there was no evidence of intentional misuse of funds.
The inquiry focused on Representatives Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Alex Mooney (R-WV), and Sanford Bishop (D-GA). Allegations included the potential personal use of campaign funds, which would violate federal law and the House Code of Official Conduct.
“Existing law and guidance from the [Federal Election Commission] is often ambiguous and provides for significant gray areas of spending,” the report stated. The Committee issued updated guidelines to members and closed the investigations, claiming no evidence of intentional wrongdoing. “Members have wide discretion in determining what constitutes a bona fide campaign or political purpose,” the statement read, but it emphasized the prohibition against converting campaign funds to personal use.
Jackson welcomed the Ethics Committee’s decision, viewing it as a clear vindication. He stated, “I am glad to put this ridiculous, partisan, and politically motivated matter behind me, and I am looking forward to working alongside President Trump to improve the lives of my constituents and all Americans.”
Jackson and Hunt faced investigations over the use of campaign funds for private club memberships. According to the left-wing Texas Tribune, Jackson allegedly spent nearly $12,000 at the Amarillo Club, while Hunt reportedly spent over $74,000 at the Post Oak Hotel’s exclusive Oak Room. Both lawmakers denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the expenditures were related to campaign activities. The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) completed its reports in March and referred the cases to the House Ethics Committee for further review. In his written response to the OCE, Jackson asserted that his actions did not violate ethics rules. Hunt provided documentation detailing his spending at the Oak Room in defense of his campaign-related expenses.
In 2020, the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) uncovered “substantial” evidence suggesting that Bishop improperly used campaign and taxpayer funds for personal expenses. The allegations included spending on golf club memberships, personal travel, meals, and tuition payments. Bishop acknowledged some of the improper expenditures and took corrective measures, including reimbursing funds and appointing a new campaign treasurer. Mooney also faced scrutiny for alleged misuse of campaign funds for personal purposes, such as family vacations and meals, raising further questions about compliance with campaign finance regulations.
“The Committee has contacted relevant Members to provide them with a copy of the updated guidance as well as specific findings and recommendations with respect to that Member’s campaign activity,” Monday’s press release concluded. “The Committee will take no further action in those matters and will consider them closed.”
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