Amidst allegations of misusing federal funds, Missouri Democratic Rep. Cori Bush is under investigation by the Department of Justice, based on insights from three individuals knowledgeable about the inquiry.
Bush Under DOJ Investigation
In a statement on Tuesday, post the investigation’s revelation, Bush denied any wrongdoing, asserting, “I hold myself, my campaign, and my position to the highest levels of integrity.”
This probe, Bush asserts, relates to her campaign’s security spending.
Federal Funds Misused?
“I also believe in transparency which is why I can confirm that the Department of Justice is reviewing my campaign’s spending on security services,” she said.”We are fully cooperating in this investigation, and I would like to take this opportunity to outline the facts and the truth.”
Ethics and Election Committees Involvement
Bush noted that both “the Federal Election Commission and the House Committee on Ethics are currently reviewing the matter.” She also defended her decision to hire her husband for her security team, highlighting his extensive experience and competitive pricing.
Husband’s Role in Security Team
She argued that her husband had been “retained … as part of my security team to provide security services because he has had extensive experience in this area, and is able to provide the necessary services at or below a fair market rate.”
Maintaining Innocence
“I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services. Any reporting that I have used federal funds for personal security is simply false,” Bush asserted. “I have complied with all applicable laws and House rules–and will continue to prioritize the rules that govern us as federal elected officials.”
No Federal Tax Dollars Used
Bush, serving her second term in Congress, firmly denied any misconduct and stated her full cooperation with federal prosecutors. “As a rank-and-file member of Congress I am not entitled to personal protection by the House, and instead have used campaign funds as permissible to retain security services,” she said.
“I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services.”
Investigation Intensifies with Subpoena
This statement followed a day after the House Sergeant at Arms’ office received a subpoena from the Justice Department for pertinent documents. The Department has yet to issue any comments.
Activism Background
Since her 2021 election to the House, Bush, a Black woman with a background in activism, has faced numerous right-wing attacks. Consequently, she has invested significantly in private security both in Capitol Hill and in her St. Louis district. F
DOJ Inquires
Federal prosecutors are inquiring about Bush’s security expenditures, the threats she’s faced, and her decision to employ her now-husband, Cortney Merritts, using campaign funds for security services, as per a source familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Associated Press under anonymity.
Threats Spark Security Need
The Federal Election Commission and the House Committee on Ethics are currently investigating how Rep. Cori Bush has been financing her security. The FEC acknowledges that using campaign funds for private security isn’t technically prohibited, especially given the recent surge in violent threats against lawmakers.
Bush Cleared by Ethics Office
In October, the Office of Congressional Ethics unanimously found Bush not guilty of any misconduct. “I look forward to this same outcome from all pending investigations,” Bush expressed on Tuesday.
Expecting Professional Investigation
Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ spokesperson, Christie Stephenson, emphasized Bush’s right to a presumption of innocence during the investigation, expecting “It is our expectation that the investigation will follow the facts, apply the law and be conducted in a professional manner.”
Grand Jury Subpoena Issued
ABC News reports that the DOJ is investigating a House Democrat, suspected of misusing government funds for personal security. A grand jury subpoena was issued to the House sergeant-at-arms for related documents.
House Floor Announcement
The clerk announced on the House floor: “This is to notify you formally pursuant to rule 8 of the rules of the House of Representatives that the office of the sergeant-at-arms for the House of Representatives has been served with a grand jury subpoena for documents issued by the U.S. Department of Justice.”
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