Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This list includes members of Congress who have been under investigation by the Department of
Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the House Ethics Committee, the
Senate Select Committee on Ethics (Senate Ethics Committee), the Office of Congressional
Ethics (OCE) and in some cases, the Federal Election Commission (FEC). CREW compiled
information about these investigations using official information provided by the investigative
bodies, as well as media reports.
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Use of Per Diem on Official Trips, Staff Report, December 30, 2010.
2
Id.
3
Letter from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Rep. Ike Skelton, May 13, 2010.
4
Brody Mullins and T.W. Farnam, Lawmakers Keep the Change, Wall Street Journal, March 2, 2010.
5
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Use of Per Diem on Official Trips, Staff Report, December 30, 2010.
6
Id.
7
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives Robert
Aderholt, G.K. Butterfield, Eliot Engel, Alcee Hastings, Solomon Ortiz and Joe Wilson, December 31, 2010.
8
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Robert Andrews, July 17, 2012; Letter from FEC Supervisory
Attorney Jeff Jordan to CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan, December 6, 2011.
9
Ed OKeefe, Rep. Rob Andrews Faces Ethics Inquiry, Washington Post, July 18, 2012.
with the trip.10 Also in June 2011, Rep. Andrews campaign committee spent $10,000 on a party
at his home celebrating his daughters graduation from college and his congressional career.11 In
addition, Rep. Andrews campaign committee has donated tens of thousands of dollars to
Philadelphia area theatres where his daughter, an aspiring actress and singer, performed, and
spent thousands more on trips to California that coincided with her recording sessions.12
Status: On November 30, 2011, CREW filed a complaint with the FEC against Rep. Andrews.13
The current status of the FEC investigation is pending. On April 2, 2012, the OCE referred its
investigation of Rep. Andrews to the House Ethics Committee.14 On August 31, 2012, the
committee said it would continue its preliminary investigation of Rep. Andrews and released the
OCEs report on the matter.15 The OCE found there was substantial reason to believe Rep.
Andrews improperly used congressional campaign and leadership PAC funds for personal use.16
On February 26, 2013, the House Ethics Committee unanimously voted to establish an
Investigative Subcommittee to look into the allegations that Rep. Andrews improperly used
funds from his principal campaign committee and leadership PAC for personal purposes, used
official resources for nonofficial and personal purposes, and made false statements to federal
officials.17 On February 4, 2014, Rep. Andrews announced that he was resigning from Congress
to take a job in government affairs at a Philadelphia law firm.18
Matt Friedman, South Jersey Congressman Spent $9,000 from Campaign Funds on Donors Wedding, StarLedger (New Jersey), November 19, 2011; Andrews for Congress, FEC Form 3, 2011 July Quarterly Report, July
14, 2011; Andrews for Congress, FEC Form 3, 2011 Year-End Report, Amended, April 13, 2012.
11
Friedman, Star-Ledger (New Jersey), Nov. 19, 2011.
12
Id.
13
Letter from Jeff Jordan to Melanie Sloan, Dec. 6, 2011.
14
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, July 17, 2012.
15
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Robert Andrews, August 31, 2012.
16
Office of Congressional Ethics, 112th Congress, Report, Review No. 11-3260, March 23, 2012.
17
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Robert Andrews, March 19, 2013.
18
Matt Friedman, U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews Says Investigation Played No Role in Resignation, Star-Ledger (New
Jersey), February 4, 2014.
19
Press Release, Peter E. Waldron, Michele Bachmann Refuses to Pay Iowa Presidential Staffers After 375 Days,
January 10, 2013; Ex-Bachmann Aide Alleges Improper Payments in Iowa, Associated Press, January 18, 2013;
John Avlon, Exclusive: Congressional Ethics Probe Adds to Michele Bachmanns Political Woes, The Daily Beast,
March 25, 2013; Cyndy Brucato, FBI Joins Probe of Bachmanns Presidential Campaign, MinnPost, May 17, 2013.
20
Id.
10
Iowa Christian Home Educators.21 The Urbandale Police Department is investigating the
campaigns illegal use of an email distribution list.22 The FEC is investigating Rep. Bachmann
for concealing campaign payments to a staffer and for using PAC funds to pay a consultant.23
Rep. Bachmanns campaign counsel, William McGinley of Patton Boggs, confirmed the OCE
was investigating the congresswomans 2012 presidential campaign.24 Investigators for the OCE
apparently questioned former campaign staffers about alleged improper transfers of funds and
under-the-table payments.25 OCE investigators are also looking into how Rep. Bachmanns
campaign accounted for resources and staff time in connection with Rep. Bachmanns 2011 book
tour promoting her personal memoir, which coincided with her presidential campaign.26 The
attorney for Andy Parrish, Rep. Bachmanns former chief of staff, confirmed that the FBI
contacted his client in May 2013 for an interview related to the investigation.27 The FBI is said to
be interested in campaign finance violations by the Bachmann campaign and the campaigns
demand that former employees seeking compensation sign non-disclosure agreements before
being paid.28 The Department of Justice is also investigating whether the Bachmann campaign
coordinated strategy with a super PAC, NFC PAC.29
Status: On January 15, 2012, a former Bachmann campaign official filed a complaint against her
with the FEC regarding the payments from her presidential campaign committee and her PAC.30
The status of police department investigation is unknown. On March 25, 2013, The Daily Beast
reported the probe of Rep. Bachmann is in its final, 45-day period before OCE makes its
determination about whether to recommend the Ethics Committee pursue the investigation.31
On June 13, 2013, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Bachmann to the House Ethics
Committee.32 On July 26, 2013 the chairman and ranking member decided to extend the
committees inquiry into Rep. Bachmanns conduct.33 On September 11, 2013, the committee
said it would continue its review of the matters involving Rep. Bachmann and released the
OCEs report on the matters.34 The OCE found substantial reason to believe Rep. Bachmann
violated federal campaign finance laws and House rules by using her PAC to support her
presidential campaign, using campaign resources to promote her book, and improperly accepting
Jason Noble, Michele Bachmann Misappropriated Home-School Groups E-mail List, Des Moines Register,
December 1, 2011; Kevin Hall, Former Staffer Sues Bachmann, Sorenson Over NICHE List Misuse, The Iowa
Republican, July 31, 2012.
22
Id.
23
Press Release, Peter E. Waldron, Michele Bachmann Refuses to Pay Iowa Presidential Staffers After 375 Days,
January 10, 2013; Kevin Diaz, Ex-Bachmann Aide Alleges Campaign Violations, Minneapolis Star Tribune,
January 15, 2013; Associated Press, Jan. 18, 2013.
24
Avlon, The Daily Beast, March 25, 2012.
25
Id.
26
Kevin Diaz, Michele Bachmann Book Tour Faces New Questions, Minneapolis Star Tribune, April 17, 2013.
27
Brucato, MinnPost, May 17, 2013.
28
Kevin Diaz, Bachmann Campaign Allegations Attract Attention of FBI, Star Tribune, May 19, 2013; Cyndy
Brucato, FBI Joins Probe of Bachmanns Presidential Campaign, MinnPost, May 17, 2013.
29
Trip Gabriel, New Inquiry for Bachmann on Her Presidential Race, New York Times, September 5, 2013.
30
Diaz, Minneapolis Star Tribune, January 15, 2013.
31
Avlon, The Daily Beast, March 25, 2012.
32
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative Michele Bachmann, July 26, 2013.
33
Id.
34
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative Michele Bachmann, September 11, 2013.
21
an in-king contribution from the books publisher.35 The OCE also recommended the House
Ethics Committee dismiss the allegation that Rep. Bachmann failed to accurately disclose
payments to an Iowa state senator, instead voting to refer the matter to the FEC.36 On August 27,
2013, the Department of Justice subpoenaed NFC PAC requesting all financial transactions and
communications involving the Bachmann campaign, Rep. Bachmanns leadership PAC, Rep.
Bachmanns husband, a wealthy donor, and several Bachmann staffers.37 The subpoena also
requested any communications records involving Rep. Bachmann.38 Rep. Bachmann did not run
for re-election in 2014.39
35
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report, Review No.13-1274, May 31, 2013.
Id.
37
Subpoena to Testify Before a Grand Jury to National Fiscal Conservative PAC, August 27, 2013.
38
Id.
39
Jeremy W. Peters, Bachmann, Facing Inquires, Will Not Seek Re-election in 2014, New York Times, May 29,
2013.
40
Scott Higham and Dan Keating, House Panel Chair Probed, Washington Post, February 10, 2012.
41
Id.; http://financialservices.house.gov/About/.
42
Higham and Keating, Washington Post, Feb. 10, 2012.
43
Scott Higham, Congress Ethics Office Clears Bachus of Insider Trading, Washington Post, April 30, 2012.
44
Committee on Standards Weekly Summary Report, July 27-31, 2009. Available at:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/51542467/Committee-on-Standards-Weekly-Summary-Report-July-27-31-2009.
45
Id.
46
Id.; Lindsey Layton, Contributions to Rep. Bartons Foundation Probed, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
36
Status: On October 29, 2009, Rep. Barton said the OCE had cleared him of any wrongdoing.47
Under Investigation for: The GBI launched an investigation into a youth program for which
Rep. Bishop had earmarked almost $200,000.58 The Junior Marshal program employed Rep.
Stanfords stepdaughter and her husband.59 The OCE investigated the matter and referred it to
the House Ethics Committee.60
Status: In the first quarter of 2009, Rep. Bishop paid $25,000 in legal fees.61 In March 2009, a
GBI special agent said, The FBI is aware of it, but there is not a criminal investigation at this
time.62 The OCE reportedly recommended dismissal of the allegations against Rep. Bishop.63
58
Status: On June 13, 2013, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Bishop to the House Ethics
Committee.73 On July 26, 2013, the chairman and ranking member decided to extend the
committees inquiry into Rep. Bishops conduct.74 On September 11, 2013, the House Ethics
Committee announced it would continue its review of the matters involving Rep. Bishop and
released the OCEs report on the matter.75 The status of the investigations by both the U.S.
Attorneys Office and the FBI is unknown.76 The OCE found substantial reason to believe Rep.
Bishop violated House rules, standards of conduct and federal law.77 On September 10, 2014,
Rep. Bishops attorney said the DOJ had closed its investigation into Rep. Bishop.78 On
November 5, 2014, Rep. Bishop lost his reelection bid, and on January 6, 2015, he left congress
at the end of his term.79
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative Tim Bishop, July 26, 2013.
74
Id.
75
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative Tim Bishop, September 11, 2013.
76
Rick Murphy, FBI, Investigating Bishop, Came to Southampton, The Independent, September 11, 2013;
Friedman, New York Daily News, September 11, 2013.
77
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report, Review No. 13-3308, May 31, 2013.
78
Tom Brune, Lawyer: Justice Dept. Probe of Bishop Closes with No Charges; Ethics Probe Still Open, Newsday,
September 10, 2014.
79
Paul LaRocco, Lee Zeldin Defeats Tim Bishop, Kathleen Rice Wins Over Bruce Blakeman for Congress,
Newsday, November 5, 2014.
80
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Paul Broun, September 15, 2014.
81
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Paul Broun, Review No. 142533, July 25, 2014.
82
Id.
83
Id.
84
Hannah Hess, Brouns Payouts to Communications Consultant Under Review, Roll Call, October 29, 2014.
85
Cristina Marcos, Ethics Office: GOP Lawmaker May Have Broken Campaign Law, The Hill, October 29, 2014.
86
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Paul Broun, September 15, 2014.
extending its investigation and would announce a course of action on or before October 29,
2014.87 On October 29, 2014, the Committee announced that it would continue its review of the
matters involving Rep. Broun and released the OCEs report on the matter.88 The OCE found
substantial reason to believe that Rep. Broun used official funds to retain an individual as a
consultant to his congressional office, in violation of House rules and federal law.89 The OCE
also found substantial reason to believe that Rep. Broun used official funds to compensate an
individual for services provided to one or more of his election campaigns, in violation of House
rules and federal law.90 On May 20, 2014, Rep. Broun lost a primary bid for the Republican
Senate nomination in Georgia, and on January 6, 2015, he left congress at the end of his term.91
Id.
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Paul Broun, October 29, 2014.
89
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Paul Broun, Review No. 142533, July 25, 2014.
90
Id.
91
Alexis Levinson, Perdue, Kingston Head to Runoff in Georgia GOP Senate Primary, Roll Call, May 20, 2014.
92
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Use of Per Diem on Official Trips, Staff Report, December 30, 2010.
93
Id.
94
Letter from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Rep. Ike Skelton, May 13, 2010.
95
Id.
96
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Use of Per Diem on Official Trips, Staff Report, December 30, 2010.
97
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives Robert
Aderholt, G.K. Butterfield, Eliot Engel, Alcee Hastings, Solomon Ortiz and Joe Wilson, November 15, 2010.
98
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives Robert
Aderholt, G.K. Butterfield, Eliot Engel, Alcee Hastings, Solomon Ortiz and Joe Wilson, December 31, 2010.
99
Ben Goad and Sandra Stokely, FBI Poking Around in Jurupa Land Deal, Press-Enterprise, October 16, 2009.
88
Under Investigation for: The FBI reviewed the land sale between Rep. Calvert, his business
partners and the Jurupa Community Services District.100 In 2006, the Jurupa Community
Services District sold four acres of property in Mira Loma to Stadium properties, in which Rep.
Calvert is a partner.101 The community services district failed to notify the park district and other
governmental agencies that the land was on the market, as required by state law.102 As a result,
the Jurupa Area Recreation and Park District filed a lawsuit against Rep. Calverts partnership
and the Jurupa Community Services District for fraud and deceit.103
Status: In October 2009 it was revealed that an FBI official contacted a Jurupa parks official
regarding the lawsuit.104 In October 2010, the parties agreed to settle the lawsuit.105
100
Id.
Id.
102
Id.
103
Goad and Stokely, Press-Enterprise, Oct. 16, 2009.
104
Id.
105
Sandra Stokley and Ben Goad, JURUPA: Lawsuit Triggered By Land Deal Settled, Press-Enterprise, October 7,
2010.
106
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Related to
Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, Staff Report, January 26, 2011.
107
Id.
108
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Campbell, Review No. 104283, September 1, 2010.
109
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives John Campbell, Joseph Crowley,
Jeb Hensarling, Christopher Lee, Frank Lucas, Tom Price, and Melvin Watt, January 26, 2011.
110
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Del. Donna Christensen, Review
No. 09-3698, June 8, 2009; Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress,
Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct
Regarding its Report on the Matter of the Carib News Foundation Multi National Business Conferences in 2007 and
2008, February 26, 2010.
101
Under Investigation for: The House Ethics Committee investigated Del. Christensens
acceptance of reimbursement expenses to attend a conference hosted by Carib News Foundation
in the Caribbean and the Member Post Travel Disclosure Form she filed.111
Status: On June 8, 2009, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics Committee
recommending further review.112 On June 24, 2009, the House Ethics Committee established an
investigative subcommittee to conduct an inquiry.113 On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics
Committee released a report finding that Del. Christensen did not knowingly commit a violation,
but had inadvertently received impermissible gifts of travel that required repayment.114
111
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report on the
Matter of the Carib News Foundation Multi National Business Conferences in 2007 and 2008, February 26, 2010.
112
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Del. Donna Christensen, Review
No. 09-3698, June 8, 2009.
113
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June 24, 2009.
114
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Feb. 26, 2010.
115
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June 24, 2009.
116
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report on the
Matter of the Carib News Foundation Multi National Business Conferences in 2007 and 2008, February 26, 2010.
117
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June 24, 2009.
118
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Feb. 26, 2010.
119
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Related to
Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, Staff Report, January 26, 2011.
120
Id.
Status: On August 31, 2010, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics Committee
recommending further review.121 On January 26, 2011, the House Ethics Committee dismissed
the investigation.122
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Campbell, Review No. 104283, September 1, 2010.
122
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives John Campbell, Joseph Crowley,
Jeb Hensarling, Christopher Lee, Frank Lucas, Tom Price, and Melvin Watt, January 26, 2011.
123
Aaron Gould Sheinin, Congressional Ethics Committees Inquire About Deals Business, Atlanta JournalConstitution, December 14, 2009.
124
Id.
125
Aaron Gould Sheinin and James Salzer, Agreement with State Benefits Deals Firm, Atlanta JournalConstitution, August 22, 2009.
126
Id.
127
Id.
128
Id.
129
Sheinin and Salzer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Aug. 22, 2009.
130
Id.
131
Id.
132
Id.
133
Resignation Ends Ethics Probe of Ex-Rep. Nathan Deal, Washington Post, April 1, 2010.
134
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Nathan Deal, Review No.
09-1022, February 5, 2010.
135
Letter from Tennessee Department of Health Complaint Coordinator Barbara White to CREW Executive
Director Melanie Sloan, November 1, 2012.
136
Id.; Letter from CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan to Tennessee Department of Health, October 12, 2012.
137
http://desjarlais.house.gov/biography/.
138
Michael McAuliff, Scott DesJarlais, Pro-Life Republican Congressman And Doctor, Pressured Mistress Patient
to Get Abortion, Huffington Post, October 10, 2012.
139
Chris Carroll and Kate Harrison, Scott DesJarlais Supported Ex-Wifes Abortions, Slept With Patients, Divorce
Transcript Shows, Chattanooga Times Free Press, November 15, 2012.
140
Letter from CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan to Tennessee Department of Health, October 12, 2012.
141
Id.
142
Letter from Tennessee Department of Health Complaint Coordinator Barbara White to CREW Executive
Director Melanie Sloan, November 1, 2012.
143
Andy Sher, Political Notebook: DesJarlais Reveals Health Department Probe, Chattanooga Times Free Press,
January 5, 2013.
144
In the Matter of Scott DesJarlais, M.D., Board of Medical Examiners, State of Tennessee, Case Nos.
2012022411, 2012020671, 2012026471 (May 23, 2013).
145
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliochetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA), Report No. 111-423, February 26,
2010.
146
Id.
Status of Investigation: The OCE closed its investigation into Rep. Dicks and recommended
the House Ethics Committee dismiss their investigation.147 On February 26, 2010, the House
Ethics Committee dismissed the allegations against Rep. Dicks.148
147
Id.
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report in the Matter
of Allegations Related to the Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliocchetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA),
February 26, 2010.
149
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Use of Per Diem on Official Trips, Staff Report, December 30, 2010.
150
Id.
151
Letter from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Rep. Ike Skelton, May 13, 2010.
152
Id.
153
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Use of Per Diem on Official Trips, Staff Report, December 30, 2010.
154
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives Robert
Aderholt, G.K. Butterfield, Eliot Engel, Alcee Hastings, Solomon Ortiz and Joe Wilson, November 15, 2010.
155
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives Robert
Aderholt, G.K. Butterfield, Eliot Engel, Alcee Hastings, Solomon Ortiz and Joe Wilson, December 31, 2010.
156
Amanda Becker, Legal Fees Show Who Is Spending on Defense, Roll Call, February 15, 2012.
157
Id.; http://www.citizensforethics.org/legal-filings/entry/ethics-complaint-against-pete-sessions-mike-fitzpatrick.
148
the Capitol Visitor Center.158 Rep. Fitzpatrick watched Speaker John Boehner conduct the
swearing-in ceremony on television, and attempted to take the oath of office.159 The House
Parliamentarian subsequently concluded that Rep. Fitzpatrick had not been properly sworn in.160
Rep. Fitzpatrick had already voted six times on questions before the House and engaged in other
restricted activities.161 On January 6, 2011, Speaker Boehner swore in Rep. Fitzpatrick in the
House Chamber, and on January 7, 2011, the House passed a resolution nullifying Rep.
Fitzpatricks votes, but ratifying his other actions.162
Status: In 2011, the OCE investigated Rep. Fitzpatricks fundraiser, but according to Rep.
Fitzpatricks spokesman the OCE found that [Rep. Fitzpatrick] did not have any improper
actions related to the [fundraiser].163
Russell Berman, GOP Lawmakers Cast House Votes Despite Missing Official Swearing-In, The Hill, February 6,
2012.
159
Billy House, Two Members Miss Congressional Oath, Try to Take it on Television, National Journal, January 6,
2011; Id.
160
Todd Gillman and Melanie Mason, Questions About Dallas Rep. Pete Sessions Status Delay Republicans
Health Care Repeal Efforts, Dallas Morning News, January 7, 2011.
161
Jonathan Allen, Republican Lawmakers Miss Oath, Vote on Floor Anyway Politico, January 6, 2011.
162
Kathleen Hennessey, House Votes to Clean Up Mess Made by Two Lawmakers Who Botched Swearing-In, Los
Angeles Times, January 7, 2011.
163
Becker, Roll Call, Feb. 15, 2012.
164
Mark Leibovich, Countrywide V.I.P. Loans Linked to 2 Congressmen, New York Times, January 14, 2012; John
Emshwiller and Alan Zibel, Mozilo Tied to Loan to Top Lawmaker, Wall Street Journal, January 18, 2012.
165
John Emshwiller, Lawmakers Tied to VIP Loan Program, Wall Street Journal, January 14, 2012.
166
Id.
167
Emshwiller and Zibel, Wall Street Journal, Jan. 18, 2012.
168
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, 112th Congress, How Countrywide Used its VIP Loan
Program To Influence Washington Policymakers, July 5, 2012.
169
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Allegations Concerning the V.I.P. Loan Unit of Countrywide Financial
Corporation, December 27, 2012.
had lapsed, rendering the investigation moot.170 The committee also noted that a members
mere inclusion in the loan program is not, in and of itself, a violation of any rules, laws, or
standards of conduct governing Members, officers, or employees of the House of
Representatives, but cautioned members that it is improper to knowingly use ones position or
influence within the House of Representatives to obtain a personal benefit.171 The committee
determined some employees of the House may have improperly contacted Countrywide
government affairs officials about their loans, but none of the members in question had done
so.172
Id.
Id.
172
Id.
173
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Sam Graves, Review No.
09-7000, August 6, 2009; Press Release, House Committee on Standards and Official Conduct, Statement of the
Chair and Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards and Official Conduct Regarding
Representative Sam Graves, September 15, 2009.
174
Id.
175
Id.
176
Id.
177
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Report in the Matter of Representative Sam
Graves, Review No. 111-320, October 29, 2009.
178
Alison Gendar, FBI Questions Four (Or More) In Rep. Michael Grimm Campaign Donations Investigation, New
York Daily News, June 20, 2012; Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the
Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Michael Grimm, November
26, 2012.
179
Id.; Alison Leigh Cowan and William Rashbaum, Rabbis Followers Cast Doubts on Congressmans
Fundraising, New York Times, January 27, 2012.
171
accepted donations from foreigners, and filed inaccurate FEC reports.180 Rep. Grimm also
allegedly allowed a noncitizen to collect campaign donations for him in exchange for help with
obtaining a green card.181
Status: In October 2010, former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY) notified the FBI about Rep.
Grimm after the campaign donors had contacted him about Rep. Grimms activities.182 On June
20, 2012, the New York Daily News reported that the FBI had questioned at least four of Rep.
Grimms campaign staffers as part of its probe into his actions.183 In August 2012, the FBI
arrested Ofer Biton, an Israeli citizen who allegedly helped Rep. Grimm raise hundreds of
thousands of dollars, on immigration fraud.184 On June 29, 2012, the OCE referred its
investigation of Rep. Grimm to the House Ethics Committee, and recommended dismissing the
matter because the alleged misconduct occurred before Rep. Grimm became a member of the
House.185 On November 26, 2012, however, the House Ethics Committee announced it had
opened an inquiry into Rep. Grimms activities, notwithstanding the OCEs recommendation,
because the committee had held in the past that it may investigate conduct that violated laws,
regulations, or standards of conduct, which occurred during an initial campaign for the House of
Representatives.186 In August 2013, Mr. Biton pled guilty to lying on a visa application.187 On
November 26, 2013, the House Ethics Committee announced it would continue to defer
consideration of the allegations against Rep. Grimm at the behest of the Justice Department.188
In January 2014, the FBI arrested Diana Durand on charges of using straw donors to funnel
more than $10,000 in illegal contributions to Rep. Grimms 2010 campaign.189 Ms. Durand is
engaged in plea negotiations with the U.S. Attorney in Brooklyn, New York.190 On
September, 3, 2014, Ms. Durand pleaded guilty to illegally funneling money to two
congressional candidates during the 2010 campaign, including Rep. Grimm.191 On April 9,
2014, the OCE referred its investigation of whether Rep. Grimm had violated House Rules or
law by threatening a reporter following the 2014 State of the Union address to the House Ethics
Committee.192 On April 28, 2014, Rep. Grimm was indicted for fraud connected to a restaurant
180
Id.
Id.; Alison Leigh Cowan, Ethics Panel to Scrutinize Congressman From S.I., New York Times, November 26,
2012.
182
Celeste Katz and Alison Gendar, Weiner Dropped FBI Dime on Grimm Fundraising, New York Daily News,
March 2, 2012.
183
Gendar, New York Daily News, June 20, 2012.
184
Alison Leigh Cowan, Congressional Fund-Raiser Charged With Immigration Fraud, New York Times, August 17,
2012.
185
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Michael Grimm, November 26, 2012.
186
Id.
187
John Bresnahan, Michael Grimm Fundraiser Pleads Guilty to Visa Violation, Politico, August 16, 2013.
188
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the
Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Michael Grimm, November 26, 2013.
189
William K. Rashbaum, F.B.I. Arrests Fund-Raiser for Congressman, New York Times, January 13, 2014.
190
Tom Wrobleski, Texas Woman in Grimm Fundraising Case Has Court Date Postponed, In Plea Negotiations
with U.S. Attorney, Court Papers Say, Staten Island Advance, January 24, 2014.
191
Stephanie Clifford, Fund-Raiser Pleads Guilty to Organizing Straw Donors for Michael Grimms Campaign, New
York Times, September 3, 2014.
192
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Michael Grimm, June 25, 2014.
181
he ran before entering Congress.193 Rep. Grimm allegedly lied under oath during a deposition
that was taken while he was a member of Congress.194 Rep. Grimms trial date is set for
December 1, 2014.195 On May 8, 2014, the House Ethics Committee voted unanimously to
establish an investigative subcommittee to look into the allegations against Rep. Grimm.196 On
June 25, 2014, the House Ethics Committee announced it would defer consideration of the
allegations against Rep. Grimm relating to his threat against a reporter at the request of the
Justice Department, and released the OCEs report on the matter.197 The OCE found substantial
reason to believe Rep. Grimm violated House rules and the D.C. Code.198 On December 23,
2014, Rep. Grimm pleaded guilty to one charge of tax evasion.199 On January 5, 2015, Rep.
Grimm resigned from Congress.200
193
Stephanie Clifford, Grimm, Staten Island Lawmakers, Is Charged With Fraud, New York Times, April 28, 2014.
Id.
195
Oren Yaniv, Trial for Indicted Rep. Michael Grimm Set for After the November Election, New York Daily News,
September 2, 2014.
196
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Michael Grimm, May 23, 2014.
197
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Michael Grimm, June 25, 2014.
198
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report, Review No. 14-4843, March 28, 2014.
199
Deirdre Walksh and Evan Perez, Congressman Grimm Pleads Guilty, CNN, December 23, 2014.
200
Dan Friedman, Michael Grimm Officially Resigns in Disgrace, New York Daily News, January 5, 2015.
201
Mary Beth Sheridan, Calif.'s Harman Rails Against Wiretapping That Ensnared Her, Washington Post, May 4,
2009; Ellen Nakashima and Paul Kane, Dozens in Congress Under Ethics Inquiry, Washington Post, October 30,
2009.
202
Nakashima and Kane, Washington Post, Oct. 30, 2009.
203
Id.
204
Paul Kane, Ethics Committee says Rep. Harman is Not Under Scrutiny, Washington Post, November 3, 2009.
205
Jennifer Epstein, Rep. Jane Harman Makes Her Exit Official, Politico, February 8, 2011.
194
Under Investigation by: The OCE and the House Ethics Committee.206
Under Investigation for: Rep. Hensarling was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising
before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.207
Status: On August 31, 2010, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics Committee
recommending dismissal.208 On January 26, 2011, the House Ethics Committee dismissed the
investigation.209
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Related to
Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, Staff Report, January 26, 2011.
207
Id.
208
Id.
209
Press Release, Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member on Standards of Official Conduct
Regarding Representatives John Campbell, Joseph Crowley, Jeb Hensarling, Christopher Lee, Frank Lucas, Tom
Price, and Melvin Watt, January 26, 2011.
210
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the
Chairwoman and Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding
Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr., September 15, 2009; evlin Barrett and Evan Perez, Jackson Is Subject of Criminal
Probe, Wall Street Journal, October 14, 2012.
211
Barrett and Perez, Wall Street Journal, Oct. 14, 2012; Michael Sneed, Jesse Jackson Jr. in Plea Deal Talks With
Feds, Sources Say, Chicago Sun-Times, November 7, 2012.
212
Id.
213
Jeff Coen and John Chase, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.: Feds Step Up Inquiry, Chicago Tribune, April 9, 2009.
214
Id.
215
Sneed, Chicago Sun-Times, Nov. 7, 2012.
216
Aaron Blake, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Has Resigned From Congress, Washington Post, November 21, 2012.
217
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the
Chairwoman and Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding
Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr., September 15, 2009.
prosecute Gov. Blagojevich, the House Ethics Committee had resumed its investigation on
October 13, 2011.218
218
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr., September 15, 2011.
219
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the Lobbying
Activities of Paul Magliochetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA), Report No. 111-423, February 26, 2010.
220
Id.
221
Id.
222
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report in the Matter
of Allegations Related to the Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliocchetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA),
February 26, 2010.
223
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick,
Review No. 09-2567, June 8, 2009; Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th
Congress, Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official
Conduct, June 24, 2009.
224
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report on the
Matter of the Carib News Foundation Multi National Business Conferences in 2007 and 2008, February 26, 2010.
225
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick,
Review No. 09-2567, June 8, 2009.
226
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June 24, 2009.
inadvertently received impermissible gifts of travel that required repayment.227 Rep. Kilpatrick
lost her 2010 Democratic primary.228
227
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, February 26, 2010.
Jeff Zeleny, Kilpatrick Loses Democratic Primary, The New York Times, August 4, 2010.
229
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Related to
Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, Staff Report, January 26, 2011.
230
Id.
231
Id.
232
Press Release, Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member on Standards of Official Conduct
Regarding Representatives John Campbell, Joseph Crowley, Jeb Hensarling, Christopher Lee, Frank Lucas, Tom
Price, and Melvin Watt, January 26, 2011.
233
David Fahrenthold and Aaron Blake, Rep. Chris Lee Resigns After Reports of Craigslist Flirtation, The
Washington Post, February 10, 2011.
234
Kevin Freking, Feds End Investigation of California Lawmaker, Associated Press, December 3, 2010.
235
Id.
236
Id.
237
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Related to
Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, Staff Report, January 26, 2011.
228
Under Investigation for: Rep. Lucas was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising
before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.238
Status: As of August 31, 2010, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics
Committee recommending dismissal.239 On January 26, 2011, the House Ethics Committee
dismissed the investigation.240
Id.
Id.
240
Press Release, Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member on Standards of Official Conduct
Regarding Representatives John Campbell, Joseph Crowley, Jeb Hensarling, Christopher Lee, Frank Lucas, Tom
Price, and Melvin Watt, January 26, 2011.
241
Mark Leibovich, Countrywide V.I.P. Loans Linked to 2 Congressmen, New York Times, January 14, 2012; John
Emshwiller and Alan Zibel, Mozilo Tied to Loan to Top Lawmaker, Wall Street Journal, January 18, 2012
242
John Emshwiller, Lawmakers Tied to VIP Loan Program, Wall Street Journal, January 14, 2012.
243
Emshwiller and Zibel, Wall Street Journal, Jan. 18, 2012; Letter from Representative Elijah Cummings to
Representative Darrell Issa, January 17, 2012.
244
Emshwiller, Wall Street Journal, Jan. 14, 2012.
245
Emshwiller and Zibel, Wall Street Journal, Jan. 18, 2012.
246
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, 112th Congress, How Countrywide Used its VIP Loan
Program To Influence Washington Policymakers, July 5, 2012.
247
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Allegations Concerning the V.I.P. Loan Unit of Countrywide Financial
Corporation, December 27, 2012.
248
Id.
249
Id.
239
determined some employees of the House may have improperly contacted Countrywide
government affairs officials about their loans, but none of the members in question had done
so.250
250
Id.
William Heisel, FBI Probing Rep. Millers Land Sales, Los Angeles Times, January 31, 2007; Perry Bacon Jr.
and Paul Kane, Millers Real Estate Profits Reviewed By Committee, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
252
Heisel, Los Angeles Times, Jan. 31, 2007.
253
Bacon Jr. and Kane, Washington Post, Oct. 30, 2009.
254
Andy Sheehan, FBI Probes Claims Against Congressman Murphy, KDKA Channel 2, December 14, 2006.
255
Id.; Shira Toeplitz, Pennsylvania: Murphy Spends $27K On Undisclosed Legal Fees, Roll Call, January 29, 2008.
256
Committee on Standards Weekly Summary Report, July 27-31, 2009. Available at:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/51542467/Committee-on-Standards-Weekly-Summary-Report-July-27-31-2009; Paul
Kane, Justice Dept. Ends Probe of Rep. Mollohan, Washington Post, Jan. 26, 2010.
257
Kane, Washington Post, January 26, 2010.
251
Status: On January 26, 2010, the Washington Post reported the DOJ had closed its four-year
investigation into Rep. Mollohan without filing criminal charges.258 Rep. Mollohan left office in
2010 after losing his re-election bid, ending the House Ethics Committee investigation.259
258
Id.
Chris Cillizza, Rep. Alan Mollohan Loses Democratic Primary in West Virginia, Washington Post, May 11,
2010.
260
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the Lobbying
Activities of Paul Magliochetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA), Report No. 111-423, February 26, 2010.
261
Id.
262
Id.
263
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report in the Matter
of Allegations Related to the Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliocchetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA),
February 26, 2010.
264
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Use of Per Diem on Official Trips, Staff Report, December 30, 2010.
265
Id.
266
Letter from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Rep. Ike Skelton, May 13, 2010.
267
Id.
268
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the
Use of Per Diem on Official Trips, Staff Report, December 30, 2010.
259
Ortiz.269 On December 31, 2010, the committee dropped the per diem investigation.270 Rep.
Ortiz lost his bid for re-election in 2010.271
269
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives Robert
Aderholt, G.K. Butterfield, Eliot Engel, Alcee Hastings, Solomon Ortiz and Joe Wilson, November 15, 2010.
270
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Statement of the Chair and Ranking
Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representatives Robert
Aderholt, G.K. Butterfield, Eliot Engel, Alcee Hastings, Solomon Ortiz and Joe Wilson, December 31, 2010.
271
Will Weissert, Texas US Rep. Ortiz Concedes Defeat to Opponent, Associated Press, November 23, 2010.
272
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Bill Owens, December 14, 2012.
273
Office of Congressional Ethics, 112th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Representative Bill Owens,
Review No. 12-8236, August 24, 2012 (OCE Report).
274
Justin Elliott, Lobbyists Arranged N.Y. Congressmans $20,000 Trip to Taiwan, ProPublica, May 10, 2012.
275
Id.
276
Id.
277
Id.
278
OCE Report, pp 13-14.
279
Justin Elliott, N.Y. Congressman Will Reimburse Costs for $22,000 Taiwan Trip, ProPublica, May 11, 2012.
280
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Bill Owens, December 14, 2012.
281
Id.
282
Press Release. Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics Regarding
Representative Bill Owens. February 6, 2013.
the committees report on Rep. Owens and announced that the investigation was closed because
Rep. Owens had voluntarily remedied the impermissible gift of the trip to Taiwan.283
283
House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, In the Matters of Allegations Relating to Travel to Taiwan by
Representatives William Owens and Peter Roskam in 2011, November 15, 2013.
284
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Donald Payne, Review No.
09-4403, June 8, 2009; Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress,
Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June
24, 2009.
285
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report on the
Matter of the Carib News Foundation Multi National Business Conferences in 2007 and 2008, February 26, 2010.
286
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Donald Payne, Review No.
09-4403, June 8, 2009.
287
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June 24, 2009.
288
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Feb. 26, 2010.
289
Billy House, Ethics Probe of Rep. Tom Petri Announced, National Journal, August 18, 2014.
290
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report, Review No. 14-1891, September 30, 2014.
291
Donovan Slack, Lawmaker Holds Stock in Defense Contractor He Champions, USA Today/Gannett Washington
Bureau, February 8, 2014; Natalie Villacorta, Tom Petri Seeks Ethics Probe of Himself, Politico, February 18,
2014.
Status: On July 2, 2014, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Petri to the House Ethics
Committee.292 On August 18, 2014, the chairman and ranking member decided to extend the
inquiry.293 On September 30, 2014, the House Ethics Committee announced it would continue
its review of the matters involving Rep. Petri and released the OCEs report on the matter.294
The OCE found substantial reason to believe that Rep. Petri improperly performed official acts
on behalf of companies in which he had a financial interest, in violation of House rules and
standards of conduct.295 Rep. Petri did not run for reelection in 2014.296
292
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Tom Petri, August 18, 2014.
293
Id.
294
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Tom Petri, September 30, 2014.
295
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report, Review No. 14-1891, September 30, 2014.
296
Emily Cahn and Bridget Bowman, Tom Petri Announces Retirement, Roll Call, April 11, 2014.
297
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Related to
Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, Staff Report, January 26, 2011.
298
Id.
299
Id.
300
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Related to
Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, Staff Report, January 26, 2011; Mike Hammer, House
Democratic Losers Include Big Names, Associated Press, November 3, 2010.
301
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Related to
Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, Staff Report, January 26, 2011.
302
Id.
Status: On August 31, 2010, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics Committee
recommending further review.303 On January 26, 2011, the House Ethics Committee dismissed
the investigation.304
303
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Campbell, Review No. 104283, September 1, 2010.
304
Press Release, Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member on Standards of Official Conduct
Regarding Representatives John Campbell, Joseph Crowley, Jeb Hensarling, Christopher Lee, Frank Lucas, Tom
Price, and Melvin Watt, January 26, 2011.
305
Press Release, Statement of Acting Chairman and Ranking Republican Member on Standards of Official
Conduct, September 24, 2008.
306
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Adjudicatory Subcommittee Report In the
Matter of Representative Charles B. Rangel, November 16, 2010.
307
Jennifer Yachnin, Rangel Charged With 13 Counts of Wrongdoing, Roll Call, July 29, 2010.
308
Id.
309
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Adjudicatory Subcommittee Report In the
Matter of Representative Charles B. Rangel, November 16, 2010.
310
David Kocieniewski, Rangel Censured Over Violations of Ethics Rules, New York Times, December 2, 2010. In
a separate ruling, on February 25, 2010, the House Ethics Committee had admonished Rep. Rangel for violating
House rules by accepting corporate-sponsored travel to the Caribbean.
311
Tony Cook, Campaign Donations Prompt FBI Probe, Toledo Blade, May 21, 2012.
312
Id.
Status: On May 18, 2012, the New Republic reported that the FBI had questioned employees of
Suarez Corporation Industries about their donations.313 On May 21, 2012, Rep. Renaccis
campaign confirmed the FBI was investigating the contributions.314 In November 2013,
Benjamin Suarez and Michael Giorgio, two executives at Suarez Corporation Industries, were
indicted for conspiracy to violate campaign finance laws and obstruction of justice.315 Mr.
Suarez, Mr. Giorgio, and the company entered pleas of not guilty in November 2013.316 Rep.
Renacci has not been charged with a crime and his spokesman, James Slepian, said As the
Justice Department made clear last year, neither Congressman Renacci nor his campaign have
ever been the target of this investigation and have not engaged in any improper conduct.317
313
Alec MacGillis, The Battleground, The New Republic, May 18, 2012.
Cook, Toledo Blade, May 21, 2012.
315
Press Release, The United States Attorneys Office, Northern District of Ohio, Two Executives at North Canton
Company Indicted for Conspiracy to Violate Campaign Finance Laws, Obstruct Justice, September 25, 2013.
316
John Caniglia, Benjamin Suarez Denies Allegations During Hearing in U.S. District Court Regarding Campaign
Contributions, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 8, 2013.
317
Sabrina Eaton, Rep. Jim Renacci urged Ohio Gov. John Kasich to Intervene in California dispute for Indicted
Campaign Donor, Cleveland Plain Dealer, November 6, 2013; James F. McCarty, Federal Grand Jury Indictment
Charges North Canton Businessman with Funneling Illegal Campaign Cash to Candidates, Cleveland Plain Dealer,
September 25, 2013.
318
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Silvestre Reyes, October 12, 2012.
319
Office of Congressional Ethics, 112th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Silvestre Reyes, Review No.
12-0516, August 24, 2012.
320
Chris Good, Texas Rep. Silvestre Reyes Loses Re-Election Primary, ABC News, May 30, 2012.
321
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Silvestre Reyes, October 12, 2012.
322
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Silvestre Reyes, November 28, 2012.
323
Ramon Renteria, Protecting Fort Bliss Big Part of Silvestre Reyes Legacy to El Paso, El Paso Times, December
30, 2012.
314
324
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Acting Ranking
Member of the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Laura Richardson, November 4, 2011.
325
Id.
326
Richard Simon, House to Launch Ethics Investigation of Rep. Laura Richardson, Los Angeles Times, November
3, 2011.
327
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Laura Richardson, Review
No. 09-4126, August 6, 2009.
328
Id.
329
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report on the
Matter of Representative Laura Richardson, July 1, 2010.
330
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, Nov. 4, 2011.
331
House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Report In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative
Laura Richardson, August 1, 2012.
332
Id.
333
John Bresnahan, House Votes to Reprimand Laura Richardson, Politico, August 2, 2012.
334
Scott Hiaasen and Marc Caputo, Feds Investigate Congressman David Rivera on Casino Contract, Miami Herald,
July 21, 2011.
state legislature.335 Previously, Rep. Rivera was also under investigation by the Florida
Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office (MDSA),
and the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) for the slots campaign; for his relationship
with a former lobbyist who received large payments from the Miami-Dade GOP while Rep.
Rivera chaired the organization; and his use of campaign funds.336 The FBI and the Miami Dade
Police are also investigating Rep. Rivera for allegedly trying to influence the 2012 Democratic
primary for his congressional seat. 337 Rep. Rivera allegedly paid for at least one of the
candidates campaign mailers, directing an envelope full of cash to a campaign vendor, and was
involved with other aspects of his campaign.338 On September 25, 2012, the Miami Herald
reported that the candidate, Justin Lamar Sternad, had told the FBI that U.S. Rep. Daivd Rivera
was secretly behind his run for office.339 Finally, the FEC had been investigating whether Rep.
Rivera violated campaign finance laws by coordinating campaign activities with an independent
political organization.340
On April 20, 2011, the FEC informed Rep. Rivera he is no longer under investigation for
potentially violating campaign finance laws by coordinating campaign activities with an
independent political organization.341 On April 17, 2012, the Miami Herald reported that the
FDLE and the Miami-Dade State Attorneys office had ended their investigations, despite
finding evidence of possible criminal and ethical violations.342 The agencies decided not to
bring charges because it was difficult to prove that Rep. Riveras conduct actually violated state
laws and fell within the statute of limitations.343
Status: On July 21, 2011, the Miami Herald reported that the FBI and IRS had opened an
investigation into the slots campaign and had begun interviewing witnesses.344 On August 22,
2012, the Miami Herald reported the FBI and the Miami Dade Police had opened a separate
criminal investigation into Rep. Riveras involvement in Mr. Stenards candidacy.345 On
November 6, 2012, Rep. Rivera lost his reelection bid, and on January 3, 2013, he left congress
at the end of his term.346
335
Id.
Scott Hiaasen and David Ovalle, FDLE Takes Lead in David Rivera Probe, Miami Herald, January, 19, 2011;
Federal Election Commission, Complaint: MUR No. 6359, August 18, 2010; Scott Hiaasen and Patricia Mazzei, A
$500,000 Question Over Tracks Payments, Miami Herald, December 16, 2010; Scott Hiaasen, Patricia Mazzei and
Scott Caputo, Rep. Riveras Fundraising Consultant Collected $817,000 in Fees Since 2006, Miami Herald,
February 19, 2011; Scott Hiaasen and Patricia Mazzei , Investigators Look into Rep. Riveras Thank You
Spending, Miami Herald, January 15, 2011.
337
Manny Garcia and Marc Caputo, Rivera Ran Secret Campaign, Sternad Tells FBI, Miami Herald, September 25,
2012.
338
Id.
339
Id.
340
Federal Election Commission, Complaint: MUR No. 6359, Notification with General Counsels Report to David
Rivera, March 31, 2011.
341
Id.
342
Scott Hiaasen and Patricia Mazzei, U.S. Rep. David Rivera Wont Face Criminal Charges in State Investigation,
Sources Tell Miami Herald, Miami Herald, April 17, 2012.
343
Id.
344
Hiaasen and Caputo, Miami Herald, July 21, 2011.
345
Marc Caputo and Manny Garcia, FBI, Miami-Dade Police Target Democratic Primary Candidate With Possible
Ties to Congressman David Rivera, Miami Herald, August 22, 2012.
346
Marc Caputo and Scott Hiaasen, The Political Rise and Fall of U.S. Rep. David Rivera, Miami Herald,
December 30, 2012.
336
347
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative Peter Roskam, July 26, 2013.
348
Katherine Skiba and Rick Pearson, Rep. Roskam Faces House Ethics Probe, Chicago Tribune, July 28, 2013.
349
Id.
350
John Bresnahan, Taiwan Trip Center of Peter Roskam Investigation, Politico, July 26, 2013.
351
Id.
352
Id.
353
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative Peter Roskam, July 26, 2013.
354
Id.
355
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative Peter Roskam, Spetember 11, 2013.
356
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Representative Peter Roskam,
Review No. 13-9784, May 31, 2013.
357
House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, In the Matters of Allegations Relating to Travel to Taiwan by
Representatives William Owens and Peter Roskam in 2011, November 15, 2013.
358
Jennifer Yachnin, Ethics Board Eyes Schmidt, Roll Call, February 15, 2011; Press Release, House Committee on
Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics Regarding Mr.
Michael Collins, Mr. Greg Hill, Representative Gregory Meeks, and Representative Jean Schmidt, July 1, 2011.
359
Id.
360
Office of Congressional Ethics, 112th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Jean Schmidt, Review No.
11-6574, April 29, 2011.
361
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Jean Schmidt, August 5, 2011.
362
Id.
363
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Aaron Schock, December 14, 2012; Jake Sherman, John
Bresnahan, and Anna Palmer, FBI Begins Probe of Aaron Schock Spending, Politico, March 20, 2015.
364
Amanda Becker, House Ethics Confirms Cases of Owens, Schock, Roll Call, December 14, 2012.
365
John Stanton, Eric Cantor Gave $25K to Anti-Incumbent PAC to Aid Adam Kinzinger, Roll Call, April 6, 2012.
366
Id.
367
Id.
PACs.368 In March 2015, the FBI began interviewing associates of Rep. Schock in relation to
serious questions about his campaign and office spending.369
Status: On August 30, 2012, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Schock to the House
Ethics Committee.370 On December 14, 2012, the chairman and ranking member decided to
extend the inquiry.371 On March 17, 2015, Rep. Schock announced his resignation from
Congress.372
Daniel Newhauser, Groups File FEC Complaint Against Aaron Schock, Roll Call, April 30, 2012.
Sherman, Bresnahan, and Palmer, Politico, March 15, 2015.
370
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Aaron Schock, December 14, 2012.
371
Id.
372
Jake Sherman, Anna Palmer, and John Bresnahan, Aaron Schock Resigns After New Questions About Mileage
Expenses, Politico, March 17, 2015.
373
John Bresnahan, Pete Sessions Got Countrywide VIP Loan, Politico, January 17, 2012.
374
Id.
375
Id.
376
John Emshwiller and Alan Zibel, Mozilo Tied to Loan to Top Lawmaker, Wall Street Journal, January 18, 2012.
377
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, 112th Congress, How Countrywide Used its VIP Loan
Program To Influence Washington Policymakers, July 5, 2012.
378
Id.
379
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Allegations Concerning the V.I.P. Loan Unit of Countrywide Financial
Corporation, December 27, 2012.
380
Id.
381
Id.
369
Press Release, U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress,
Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct
regarding Representative Fortney Pete Stark, December 24, 2009.
383
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, In the Matter of Representative Fortney
Pete Stark, January 28, 2010.
384
Id.
385
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct regarding Representative Fortney
Pete Stark, January 28, 2010.
386
Adam Kealoha Causey, Clay Clerk Accuses U.S. Rep. Cliff Stearns of Trying to Buy Him Out of the Race,
Florida Times-Union, March 7, 2012.
387
Id.
388
Joshua Miller, Cliff Stearns Concedes Defeat, Roll Call, August 15, 2012.
389
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Steve Stockman, June 11, 2014.
390
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Steve Stockman, Review
No. 13-6070, February 27, 2014, p 1-2 (OCE Report).
2013, Jason Posey and Thomas Dodd, who were employed in Rep. Stockmans congressional
office, each contributed $7,500 to Rep. Stockmans campaign.391 The contributions were
originally attributed on FEC reports as having been made by Mr. Poseys father and Mr. Dodds
mother respectively, but were later amended.392 In December 2013, Rep. Stockman filed payroll
authorization forms with the House Office of Payroll and Benefits, purporting to document the
termination, for a single day, and subsequent re-hiring of Mr. Posey and Mr. Dodd from his
congressional staff.393 The OCE determined that there is substantial reason to believe Rep.
Stockman, having been aware of the illegal nature of the contributions, failed to take steps to
ensure the accuracy of his campaigns FEC reports.394 During the course of the OCE review, it
was discovered that Rep. Stockman retained Mr. Posey and Mr. Dodd as congressional
employees who did not perform official duties commensurate with their official compensation.395
On November 13, 2014, Rep. Stockman notified Congress that he and three of his aides were
subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in a criminal investigation.396
Status: On February 27, 2014, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Stockman to the House
Ethics Committee.397 On June 11, 2014, the chairman and ranking member decided to extend the
inquiry.398 On March 4, 2014, Rep. Stockman lost a primary bid for the Republican Senate
nomination in Texas, and on January 6, 2015, he left congress at the end of his term.399
391
Status: On June 8, 2009, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics Committee,
recommending further review.402 On June 24, 2009, the committee established an investigative
subcommittee to conduct an inquiry.403 On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics Committee
released a report finding that Rep. Thompson did not knowingly commit a violation, but
inadvertently received impermissible gifts of travel that required repayment.404
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Bennie Thompson, Review
No. 09-2222, June 8, 2009.
403
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June 24, 2009.
404
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Feb. 26, 2010.
405
Amanda Becker, Legal Fees Show Who Is Spending on Defense, Roll Call, February 15, 2012.
406
Id.; Eric Lipton, Congresss Man of the Vines, Including His Own, New York Times, July 3, 2011.
407
Lipton, New York Times, July 3, 2011.
408
Id.
409
Becker, Roll Call, Feb. 15, 2012.
410
Carol D. Leonnig, 7 On Defense Panel Scrutinized, Washington Post, October 30, 2009.
411
Id.
412
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Report in the Matter of Allegations Related
to the Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliocchetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA), February 26, 2010.
413
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report in the Matter
of Allegations Related to the Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliocchetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA),
February 26, 2010.
evidence in the PMA Group investigation to the DOJ.414 The status of the DOJ investigation is
unknown. Rep. Tiahrt lost his bid for Senate during the 2010 Republican primary.415
414
Press Release, Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Statement of the Office of Congressional Ethics
Regarding Evidence Collected in OCEs PMA Investigation, May 27, 2010.
415
DAprile, Moran Bests Tiahrt in GOP Senate Primary, The Hill, August 4, 2010.
416
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative John Tierney, July 26, 2013.
417
Michael Rezendes, Ethics Panel May Scrutinize Rep. John Tierney, Boston Globe, July 26, 2013.
418
Id.
419
Id.
420
Id.
421
Rezendes, Boston Globe, July 26, 2013.
422
Id.
423
Office of Congressional Ethics, 113th Congress, Report, Review No. 13-1064, May 31, 2013.
424
Press Release, House Ethics Committee, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on
Ethics Regarding Representative John Tierney, July 26, 2013.
425
House Ethics Committee, 113th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative John Tierney,
September 11, 2013.
426
John Emshwiller, Lawmakers Tied to VIP Loan Program, Wall Street Journal, January 14, 2012.
Under Investigation for: Rep. Towns, along with three other congressmen, was under
investigation for receiving a preferential mortgage rate from Countrywide Financial.427 Rep.
Towns, a former Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said through a
spokesperson that he didnt believe he received any special treatment from Countrywide.428
Status: In December 2011, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), chairman of the Oversight and
Government Reform Committee, referred Rep. Towns case to the House Ethics Committee.429
In July 2012, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee concluded its investigation and
published a report about Countrywides VIP loan program that included information on Rep.
Towns.430 On December 27, 2012, the House Ethics Committee concluded its investigation of
Countrywide Loan recipients, including Rep. Towns.431 The committee determined its statute of
limitations had lapsed, rendering the investigation moot.432 The committee also noted that a
members mere inclusion in the loan program is not, in and of itself, a violation of any rules,
laws, or standards of conduct governing Members, officers, or employees of the House of
Representatives, but cautioned members that it is improper to knowingly use ones position or
influence within the House of Representatives to obtain a personal benefit.433 The committee
determined some employees of the House may have improperly contacted Countrywide
government affairs officials about their loans, but none of the members in question had done
so.434
427
John Emshwiller and Alan Zibel, Mozilo Tied to Loan to Top Lawmaker, Wall Street Journal, January 18, 2012.
John Emshwiller, Key Lawmaker Received Countrywide Loans, Wall Street Journal, August 7, 2009.
429
Emshwiller and Zibel, Wall Street Journal, Jan. 18, 2012.
430
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, 112th Congress, How Countrywide Used its VIP Loan
Program To Influence Washington Policymakers, July 5, 2012.
431
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Allegations Concerning the V.I.P. Loan Unit of Countrywide Financial
Corporation, December 27, 2012.
432
Id.
433
Id.
434
Id.
428
435
Carol D. Leonnig, 7 On Defense Panel Scrutinized, Washington Post, October 30, 2009; David D. Kirkpatrick
and Charlie Savage, Lawmaker Said to Surface in Lobbying Inquiry, New York Times, April 3, 2009.
436
Id.
437
Susan Schmidt, FBI Raids Defense-Related Lobbying Firm Linked to Murtha, Wall Street Journal, February 11,
2009.
438
Lindsay Renick Mayer, PMA Group and Clients Paid Out $40 Million to Current Congress, OpenSecrets.org,
March 12, 2009.
439
Maureen Groppe, Rep. Visclosky Gives Questionable Funds to Treasury, Journal and Courier, April 14, 2009.
440
Paul Singer, Visclosky Seeks to Use Campaign Funds for Legal Defense, Roll Call, April 20, 2009; Alex Knott,
FEC Approves Money for Visclosky Staffers, Roll Call, August 27, 2009.
441
John Bresnahan, Visclosky Subpoenaed by Federal Grand Jury, Politico, May 29, 2009.
442
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Its Report In the Matter
of Allegations Relating to the Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliocchetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA),
February 26, 2010.
443
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Peter Visclosky, Review
No. 09-4486, December 2, 2009.
444
Press Release, Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Statement of the Office of Congressional Ethics
Regarding Evidence Collected in OCEs PMA Investigation, May 27, 2010.
445
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representative Maxine
Waters, September 15, 2009.
Under Investigation for: Rep. Waters was under investigation for securing meetings between
officials at OneUnited Bank, a bank with which her husband has close financial ties, and officials
at the Treasury Department in regards to obtaining bailout funds.446 Rep. Waters husband,
Sidney Williams, was once a member of the banks board of directors and his investments in the
bank are worth at least $350,000.447 OneUnited Bank received a $12 million bailout.448
Status: The OCE referred Rep. Waters case to the House Ethics Committee.449 On October 29,
2009, the committee announced the formation of a subcommittee to investigate the
congresswoman, which on June 15, 2010, found Rep. Waters had violated three counts of House
rules and federal law.450 On August 2, 2010, the committee formed an adjudicatory
subcommittee to evaluate the statement of alleged violations, but on November 19, 2010, the
committee delayed the trial, citing the discovery of new evidence, and questions emerged about
staff members conduct during the investigation. 451 On July 20, 2011, the committee appointed
an outside counsel, Washington attorney Billy Martin, to investigate the committees conduct
and Rep. Waters case.452 On February 17, 2012, the committee announced that six members of
the ethics committee had voluntarily recused themselves from Rep. Waters case and that six
other members were selected as alternates for the investigation.453 On June 6, 2012, the
committee issued a letter to Rep. Waters concluding that her due process rights had not been
violated.454 On September 25, 2012, after Mr. Martin concluded his review, the committee
released a report finding Rep. Waters did not violate any House rules.455 The committee found
Rep. Waters recognized and made efforts to avoid a conflict of interest with respect to
OneUnited.456 The committee, however, concluded Rep. Waters chief of staff, Mikael Moore,
violated House rules by taking action on behalf of OneUnited and issued a letter of reproval to
Mr. Moore.457
446
Jake Sherman, House Ethics Panel Probes Rep. Waters, Wall Street Journal, September 18, 2009.
Id.
448
Id.
449
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, September 15, 2009.
450
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representative Maxine
Waters, October 29, 2009; Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, Investigative Subcommittee, 111th
Congress, In the Matter of Representative Maxine Waters, Statement of Alleged Violations, Adopted June 15, 2010.
451
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding Representative Maxine
Waters, August 2, 2009; John Bresnahan and Jonathan Allen, Maxine Waters Ethics Trial Delayed, Politico,
November 19, 2010; John Bresnahan, Did Ethics Staff Taint Maxine Waters Probe?, Politico, July 18, 2011.
452
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member
Regarding the Matter of Representative Maxine Waters, July 20, 2011.
453
Letter from House Ethics Committee Chair Jo Bonner to Speaker of the House John Boehner, February 17, 2012.
454
Letter from House Ethics Committee Acting Chairman Robert Goodlatte and Acting Ranking Member John
Yarmuth to Representative Maxine Waters, June 6, 2012.
455
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Maxine Waters, September 25, 2012.
456
Id.
457
Letter from Acting House Ethics Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Acting Ranking Member John
Yarmuth to Mikael Moore, September 25, 2012.
447
458
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Staff Report In the Matter of Allegations
Relating to Fundraising Activities and the House Vote on H.R. 4173, January 26, 2011.
459
Id.
460
Susan Crabtree, House Ethics Office Investigation Advances, The Hill, June 25, 2010.
461
Id.
462
Id.
463
Press Release, Statement of the Chair and Ranking Republican Member on Standards of Official Conduct
Regarding Representatives John Campbell, Joseph Crowley, Jeb Hensarling, Christopher Lee, Frank Lucas, Tom
Price, and Melvin Watt, January 26, 2011.
464
Larry Margasak, AP Sources: Ethics Staff Beginning Weiner Inquiry, Associated Press, June 13, 2011.
465
Jennifer Epstein and Maggie Haberman, Anthony Weiner Admits Tweet, Will Not Resign, Politico, June 6, 2011.
466
Id.
467
Id.; Jonathan Allen and Ben Smith, Anthony Weiner: Hackers Posted Lewd Photos on Twitter, Politico, May 28,
2011.
468
Epstein and Haberman, Politico, June 6, 2011.
469
Susan Crabtree, Weiner Faces Mounting Legal and Ethics Questions Over Sexting Scandal, TPMMuckraker,
June 7, 2011.
Status: On June 13, 2011, the House Ethics Committee began a preliminary inquiry into Rep.
Weiners conduct.470 On June 16, 2011, Rep. Weiner resigned from Congress, effectively ending
the House Ethics Committees investigation.471
The woman is the daughter of Rep. Wus close friend and campaign donor.482 In response to the
report, Rep. Wu said, This is very serious, and I have absolutely no desire to bring unwanted
publicity, attention, or stress to a young woman and her family.483 Public officials in Oregon
called on Rep. Wu to resign immediately.484
Status: On July 25, 2011, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) asked the House Ethics
Committee to investigate the accusations against Rep. Wu.485 On August 3, 2011, Rep. Wu
resigned from Congress effective immediately, depriving the House Ethics Committee of
jurisdiction and effectively ending its investigation.486
482
Id.
Id.
484
John Bresnahan and Jonathan Allen, David Wu Wont Resign; Nancy Pelosi Seeks Probe, Politico, July 24,
2011.
485
Letter from Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi to Ethics Committee Chairman Jo Bonner and Ethics Committee
Ranking Member Linda Sanchez, July 25, 2011.
486
Harry Esteve, Oregon Rep. David Wu Resigns, Candidates Scramble to Replace Him, Oregonian, August 3,
2011.
487
House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the Lobbying
Activities of Paul Magliochetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA), Report No. 111-423, February 26, 2010.
488
Id.
489
Id.
490
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 111th Congress, Statement of the Chair and
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Regarding its Report in the Matter
of Allegations Related to the Lobbying Activities of Paul Magliocchetti and Associates Group, Inc. (PMA),
February 26, 2010.
491
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Alcee L. Hastings and Representative Don Young, November
28, 2011.
492
Amanda Becker, Alcee Hastings, Don Young Face Possible Ethics Inquiries, Roll Call, November 28, 2011.
483
legal fees stemming from his multiple DOJ investigations.493 Previously, the DOJ investigated
Rep. Young for his role in securing a $10 million earmark for the Coconut Road interchange in
Florida and his connection to convicted VECO executive Bill Allen, who confessed to directing
over $130,000 in illegal campaign contributions to Rep. Youngs campaign over 13 years.494 On
August 4, 2010, Rep. Young announced the DOJ had dropped its investigation without pursuing
an indictment.495 The House Ethics Committee also investigated Rep. Young for allegedly
accepting gifts that he failed to report on his annual financial disclosure statements, using
campaign funds for personal purposes and making false statements to federal officials.496 The
investigation built on the earlier DOJ investigation. 497 In 2010, DOJs Public Integrity Section
referred information about Rep. Youngs failure to disclose hunting trips between 2001 and 2007
to the House Ethics Committee, suggesting it had found potential violations of the Ethics in
Government Act.498 In the referral letter, DOJ Public Integrity Section Chief Jack Smith noted
Rep. Youngs attorney had previously provided the committee with information regarding the
hunting trips, suggesting the committee was already looking into the matter.499 In a statement,
the House Ethics Committee confirmed it had begun gathering evidence in the Young
investigation during the 111th and 112th Congresses.500
Status: On October 13, 2011, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Young to the House
Ethics Committee.501 On November 28, 2011, the chairman and ranking member decided to
extend the committees inquiry.502 On December 20, 2011, the committee unanimously
concluded Rep. Young had not violated any laws or rules.503 On February 26, 2013, the House
Ethics Committee voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to look into the allegations
against Rep. Young.504 On June 20, 2014, the House Ethics Committee announced that it had
adopted the investigative subcommittees report on Rep. Young, which found that he had
violated House rules and other laws by improperly using campaign funds for personal purposes
and by improperly accepting impermissible gifts.505 The committee issued a letter of reproval.506
493
Id.
Richard Mauer, Federal Prosecutors Drop Young Case, Anchorage Daily News, August 5, 2010.
495
William Yardley, No Charges After Inquiry of Lawmaker, New York Times, August 4, 2010.
496
Sean Cockerham, Ethics Panel Investigating Rep. Young Gifts, Campaign Funds, Anchorage Daily News, March
19, 2013.
497
Id.
498
Letter from Jack Smith, Chief, Public Integrity Section to Blake Chisam, Chief Counsel, House Committee on
Standards of Official Conduct, August 17, 2010 (Young FBI Documents, pp. 166-67).
499
Id.
500
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Don Young, March 19, 2013.
501
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, Nov. 28, 2011.
502
Id.
503
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Don Young, December 20, 2011.
504
Id.
505
House Committee on Ethics, 113th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Don Young,
June 20, 2014.
506
Id.
494
Monica Davey and Dirk Johnson, 2 Investigations Into Burris Are Begun, New York Times, February 17, 2009;
John Chase and Dan Blake, Burris Won't Face Perjury Charges, Chicago Tribune, June 20, 2009.
508
Davey and Johnson, New York Times, Feb. 17, 2009.
509
Id.
510
Chase and Blake, Chicago Tribune, June 20, 2009.
511
Letter from Senate Select Committee on Ethics to Senator Roland Burris, Public Letter of Qualified Admonition,
November 20, 2009.
512
Peter Slevin, Burris Exits on His Terms, Washington Post, July 11, 2009.
513
Letter from Senate Select Committee on Ethics to Senator Kent Conrad, August 7, 2009.
514
Id.
515
Ben Pershing, Ethics Panel to Probe Dodd, Conrad Mortgages, Washington Post, June 17, 2008.
516
Letter from Senate Select Committee on Ethics to Senator Kent Conrad, August 7, 2009.
517
Letter from Senate Select Committee on Ethics to Senator Christopher Dodd, August 7, 2009.
Under Investigation for: Sen. Dodd was under investigation for possibly receiving a
preferential mortgage rate from Countrywide Financial while he was serving as chairman of the
Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee.518
Status: On August 7, 2009, the Senate Ethics Committee said it found no substantial credible
evidence that Sen. Dodd violated Senate ethics rules, but said he should have exercised more
vigilance to avoid the appearance that he received preferential treatment because of his status as
a senator.519 Sen. Dodd did not seek reelection in 2010.520
Ben Pershing, Ethics Panel to Probe Dodd, Conrad Mortgages, Washington Post, January 17, 2008.
Letter from Senate Select Committee on Ethics to Senator Christopher J. Dodd, August 7, 2009.
520
Alex Isenstadt and Josh Kraushaar, Dodd Wont Seek Reelection, Politico, January 6, 2010.
521
John Bresnahan and Manu Raju, John Ensign Will Face Investigation, Politico, January 25, 2010; Federal
Election Commission, Complaint: MUR No. 6200, First General Counsels Report, March 31, 2010.
522
Id.
523
Senate Select Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, Report of the Preliminary Inquiry Into the Matter of Senator
John E. Ensign, May 10, 2011.
524
Id.
525
Id.
526
Id.
527
Report of the Preliminary Inquiry Into the Matter of Senator John E. Ensign, May 10, 2011.
528
Id.
529
Id.
530
Eric Lichtblau and Eric Lipton, Senators Aid After Affair Raises Flags Over Ethics, New York Times, October 1,
2009.
531
Report of the Preliminary Inquiry Into the Matter of Senator John E. Ensign, May 10, 2011.
519
Status: On May 3, 2011, Sen. Ensign resigned from Congress, depriving the Senate Ethics
Committee of jurisdiction.532 Nevertheless, on May 12, 2011, the committee released its special
counsels findings. The report concluded that had Sen. Ensign not resigned, the evidence that
would have been presented in an adjudicatory hearing [against him] would have been substantial
and sufficient to warrant the consideration of the sanction of expulsion.533 In addition, the
Senate Ethics Committees special counsel determined: There is substantial credible evidence
that Sen. Ensign and his parents made false or misleading statements to the FEC, that Sen.
Ensign engaged in potential obstruction of justice violations, that Sen. Ensign engaged in sexual
discrimination, and that Sen. Ensign engaged in improper conduct bringing discredit to the
Senate.534
The Senate Ethics Committee also referred the report and its findings to the Department of
Justice and the FEC for further action.535 The DOJ had previously informed Sen. Ensign that he
was no longer the target of its investigation.536 On March 24, 2011, the DOJ indicted Mr.
Hampton, charging him with seven counts of violating the Honest Leadership and Open
Government Acts one year lobbying ban.537 The FECs general counsel had recommended that
the commission conduct a full investigation into the severance payment to the Hamptons, but the
commission voted not to pursue the matter.538 It is unclear whether the DOJ or FEC have
reopened investigations.
532
Eric Lipton, Ensign Resigns, But Details of Ethics Probe May Yet Emerge, New York Times, April 22, 2011;
Emily Heil and David Drucker, Ensign Reflects, Apologizes in Farewell Speech, Roll Call, May 3, 2011.
533
Report of the Preliminary Inquiry Into the Matter of Senator John E. Ensign, May 10, 2011.
534
Id.
535
Id.
536
Ensign No Longer Target of DOJ Probe, Fox5Vegas.com, December 1, 2010.
537
United States v. Douglas Hampton, CR-11-085, Indictment of Douglas Hampton (D.D.C. 2011).
538
Federal Election Commission, Complaint: MUR No. 6200, Certification, November 18, 2010.
539
David Kocieniewski, Inquiry Focuses on Former Aide to Menendez, New York Times, August 28, 2007.
Id.; Raju Chebium, Senator Robert Menendez Responds to Investigation Closure, Courier News, October 26,
2011.
541
Jeff Whelan and Josh Margolin, Feds Probe Menendez Rental Deal, Star-Ledger, September 8, 2006.
542
Kocieniewski, New York Times, Aug. 28, 2007.
543
Mark Mueller, Feds Tell Sen. Menendez 2006 Probe Now Closed, Subpoena Had Come in Heat of Election, Star
Ledger, October 23, 2011.
540