Under Investigation Alumni Report

Closed Investigations
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.
Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL)

Under Investigation by: The OCE and the House Ethics Committee.1
Under Investigation for: Rep. Aderholt was under investigation for allegedly improperly
retaining excess per diem funds while on official travel.2 The stipend is meant to cover meals
and travel expenses, and members are directed to return excess funds.3 In August 2010, Rep.
Aderholt told the Wall Street Journal he didn't know if he had kept extra money because he
never keeps receipts of his spending while overseas.4
Status: The OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics Committee on July 30, 2010,
recommending further review.5 On November 15, 2010, the Democratic chairwoman and the
Republican ranking member of the House Ethics Committee extended the investigation into Rep.
Aderholt.6 On December 31, 2010, the committee dropped the per diem investigation.7
Representative Rob Andrews (D-NJ)

Under Investigation by: The House Ethics Committee, the OCE, and the FEC.8
Under Investigation for: Rep. Andrews was under investigation for using his campaign
account for personal expenses.9 In June 2011, Rep. Andrews and his family flew to Scotland to
attend a donors wedding, and charged his campaign account $13,000 for expenses associated
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
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
Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN)

Under Investigation by: The Urbandale (IA) Police Department, the FEC, the OCE, the House
Ethics Committee, and the FBI.19
Under Investigation for: Rep. Bachmann was under investigation for actions related to her
2012 presidential bid.20 Rep. Bachmanns presidential campaign sent two email blasts to
thousands of home school advocates after a staffer allegedly stole the list from the Network of
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
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
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
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
Representative Spencer Bachus (R-AL)

Under Investigation by: The OCE.40
Under Investigation for: Rep. Bachus, the chairman of the House Financial Services
Committee, was under investigation for possibly violating insider trading laws and laws that
prohibit members of Congress using their position for private gain.41
Status: On February 10, 2012, the Washington Post reported the OCE had opened an
investigation into Rep. Bachus finding probable cause to believe violations occurred.42 On April
27, 2012, the OCEs board voted to recommend that the House Ethics Committee dismiss the
case.43
Representative Joe Barton (R-TX)

Under Investigation for: The OCE investigated Rep. Barton because of donations made to his
foundation, the Joe Barton Family Foundation.45 Rep. Barton is a member of the Energy and
Commerce Committee, and corporations with business before the committee made donations to
Rep. Bartons foundation or to third parties in the name of the foundation.46
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
Representative Shelley Berkley (D-NV)

Under Investigation by: The House Ethics Committee and the OCE.48
Under Investigation for: Rep. Berkley was under investigation for using her position to
support her husbands financial and professional interests.49 In September 2011, The New York
Times revealed how Rep. Berkley has taken numerous actions that have benefitted her husband, a
nephrologist and co-owner of a large medical practice.50 Rep. Berkley helped prevent federal
regulators from closing a delinquent kidney transplant program that has ties to her husbands
medical practice.51 Additionally, Rep. Berkley accepted tens of thousands of dollars in
contributions from the nephrology industry, including from a PAC run by her husband, while
cosponsoring legislation to benefit the industry and opposing reducing payments to providers.52
Status: On February 9, 2012, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Berkley to the House
Ethics Committee.53 On June 29, 2012, the House Ethics Committee formed an investigative
subcommittee (ISC) to determine whether Rep. Berkley violated any laws or House rules.54 On
December 20, 2012, the House Ethics Committee concluded its investigation, finding Rep.
Berkley violated the Houses conflict of interest rules by improperly using her official position
for her beneficial interest by permitting her office to take official action specifically on behalf of
her husband's medical practice.55 The ISC recommended that its report on the matter serve as a
reproval of Rep. Berkley, but the full committee chose not to punish her or issue a formal letter
of reproval, citing her candor about the matter and her lack of malicious intent in violating the
rules.56
Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)

Under Investigation by: The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), the OCE, and the House
Ethics Committee.57
47
Layton, Washington Post, Oct. 30, 2009.

the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Shelley Berkley, March 23, 2012.
49
Id.; Eric Lichtblau, Panel Extends Ethics Reviews of 2 House Members, New York Times, March 23, 2012.
50
Eric Lipton, A Congresswomans Cause is Often Her Husbands Gain, New York Times, September 5, 2011.
51
Id.
52
Id.
53
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, March 23, 2012.
54
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Shelley Berkley, July 9, 2012.
55
House Committee on Ethics, 112th Congress, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Shelley
Berkley, December 20, 2012.
56
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Shelley Berkley, December 20, 2012.
57
http://www.scribd.com/doc/51542467/Committee-on-Standards-Weekly-Summary-Report-July-27-31-2009; Greg
Bluestein and Ben Evans, US Rep. Bishops Link to Earmark Raises Questions, Associated Press, March 6, 2009.
48
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
Representative Tim Bishop (D-NY)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Bishop was under scrutiny for soliciting a campaign contribution
in connection with an official action.65 In 2012, hedge fund investor Eric Semler requested the
congressmans help in obtaining environmental permits to hold a fireworks display at his
Southampton, NY, home during his sons bar mitzvah.66 Rep. Bishop and his staff subsequently
lobbied federal, state, and local officials on behalf of Mr. Semler.67 While the permits were
pending, Molly Bishop, Rep. Bishops daughter and campaign fundraiser, requested a campaign
contribution of up to $10,000 from Mr. Semler.68 The following month, Mr. Semler and his wife
contributed a combined $5,000 to Rep. Bishops campaign.69 On August 24, 2012, Smithtown
Councilman Robert Creighton sent a letter to the Office of Congressional Ethics requesting an
investigation into Rep. Bishops actions.70 In early 2013, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the
Eastern District of New York requested information about the matter from Rep. Bishops
office.71 The FBI has also looked into the matter, and spoke with Southampton Town Trustee
Fred Havermayer in January or February 2013.72
58
Bluestein and Evans, Associated Press, March 6, 2009.

Id.
60
http://www.scribd.com/doc/51542467/Committee-on-Standards-Weekly-Summary-Report-July-27-31-2009.
61
Jennifer Yachnin, Bishop Rings Up Big Legal Bill, Roll Call, April 28, 2009.
62
Chuck Williams, GBI agent: FBI Aware of Investigation into Muscogee County Marshalls Office, Ledger
Enquirer, March 9, 2009; Yachnin, Roll Call, April 28, 2009.
63
Lyndsey Layton, Dismissal Recommended for Earmark Ethics Allegation Against Rep. Bishop, Washington Post,
Oct. 30, 2009.
64
Ethics Regarding Representative Tim Bishop, July 26, 2013.
65
Tom Brune, Ethics Panel to Announce Results of Complaint Probe Vs. Tim Bishop, Newsday, July 26, 2013; John
Bresnahan, Tim Bishops Bar Mitzvah Episode Could Spell Trouble, Politico, August 15, 2012
66
Id.
67
Id.
68
Id.
69
Bresnahan, Politico, August 15, 2012.
70
Brendan J. OReilly and Peter Verry, Smithtown Councilman, Former Top Cop Seeks Bishop Ethics Probe,
Commack Patch, August 29, 2012.
71
Dan Friedman, Bishop Cites DOJ Probe into Bar Mitzvah Fireworks Matter, New York Daily News, September
11, 2013.
72
Tom Brune, Rep. Tim Bishop: FBI Investigated Claims in Ethics Case, Newsday, September 12, 2013.
59
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
Representative Paul Broun (R-GA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Broun was under investigation for misusing official
congressional funds to retain a consultant and to compensate an adviser for campaign-related
services.81 From June 2012 to March 2014, Rep. Brouns congressional office paid $43,750 to
ODonnell & Associates, which is owned Brett ODonnell.82 Mr. ODonnell also provided Rep.
Broun campaign communications and debate consulting services during the same period.83
During that time, Rep. Brouns campaign committee only reported making a single payment to
Mr. ODonnell, a $838.75 reimbursement for travel expenses.84 In a statement, Rep. Broun said
he was fully cooperating with the House Ethics Committee and will continue to do so
throughout their review85
recommending further review.86 On September 15, 2014, the Committee announced that it was
73
Ethics Regarding Representative Tim Bishop, July 26, 2013.
74
Id.
75
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
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
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
Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-NC)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Butterfield was under investigation for allegedly improperly
retaining excess per diem funds while on official travel.93 The stipend is meant to cover meals
and travel expenses, and members are directed to return excess funds.94 Rep. Butterfield told the
Wall Street Journal he sometimes kept money remaining from trips.95
Butterfield.97 On December 31, 2010, the committee dropped the per diem investigation.98
Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA)

Under Investigation by: The FBI.99
87
Id.
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
93
Id.
94
95
Id.
96
97
Aderholt, G.K. Butterfield, Eliot Engel, Alcee Hastings, Solomon Ortiz and Joe Wilson, November 15, 2010.
98
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
Representative John Campbell (R-CA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Campbell was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising
before voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.107
Status: As of August 31, 2010, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics
Committee recommending further review.108 On January 26, 2011, the House Ethics Committee
dismissed the investigation.109
Delegate Donna Christensen (D-VI)

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
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
Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY)

Under Investigation by: The House Ethics Committee.115
Under Investigation for: The House Ethics Committee investigated Rep. Clarkes acceptance
of reimbursement expenses to attend a conference hosted by Carib News Foundation in the
Caribbean, as well as the Member Post Travel Disclosure Form she filed.116
Status: On June 24, 2009, the committee established an investigative subcommittee to conduct
an inquiry.117 On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics Committee released a report finding that
Rep. Clarke did not knowingly commit a violation, but inadvertently received impermissible
gifts of travel that required repayment.118
Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Crowley was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising
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
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
Ranking Republican Member of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June 24, 2009.
116
117
Press Release, House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, June 24, 2009.
118
119
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
Representative Nathan Deal (R-GA)

Under Investigation by: The DOJ, the OCE, and the House Ethics Committee.123
Under Investigation for: The investigation involved a 20-year business arrangement Rep. Deal
had with the state of Georgia.124 Rep. Deal and his business partner, Ken Cronan, co-owned
Recovery Services Inc.125 The business held a no-bid agreement to provide a facility for the
states vehicle inspections, essentially a regional monopoly.126 In 2008, Georgia Revenue
Commissioner Bart Graham suggested instead awarding the contracts through competitive
bidding. 127 Rep. Deal and his business partner held three meetings with state officials, including
the lieutenant governor, objecting to the change, which could have ended the deal that brought
his company $1.5 million between 2004 and 2008.128 In the wake of the meetings, Mr. Graham
decided instead to privatize the system.129 He proposed eliminating the programs $1.7 million
annual cost from the state budget, and the state House approved the cut.130 Around the same
time, Rep. Deals chief of staff, Chris Riley, used his congressional e-mail account to contact
state officials about the matter.131 The money for the program was eventually kept in the
budget.132
Status: Rep. Deal resigned from Congress on March 21, 2010, bringing the House Ethics
Committees investigation to an end.133 The OCE, however, released its review of Rep. Deal and
found substantial reason to believe he may have violated ethics rules.134
Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN)

121
122
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.
Under Investigation by: The Tennessee Department of Health.135

Under Investigation for: Rep. DesJarlais, a doctor, was under investigation for having
inappropriate sexual relationships with his patients.136 Before he was elected to congress in
2010, Rep. DesJarlais practiced medicine in Tennessee.137 On October 10, 2012, the Huffington
Post reported that in 2001, Rep. DesJarlais engaged in a sexual relationship with one of his
patients and pressured her to have an abortion.138 On November 15, 2012, the Chattanooga
Times Free Press reported Rep. DesJarlais had sexual relationships with at least two patients.139
The Tennessee State Board of Medical Examiners Sexual Misconduct Statement and Policy
prohibits Tennessee physicians from having sexual relationships with their patients.140
Status: On October 12, 2012, CREW filed a complaint with the Tennessee Department of
Health.141 On November 1, 2012, the department notified CREW it had opened a complaint file
against Rep. DesJarlais.142 On January 4, 2013, Rep. DesJarlais said he had met with
Department of Health investigators about the complaint.143 On May 23, 2013, the Tennessee
Board of Medical Examiners fined Rep. DesJarlais $500 and issued a reprimand.144
Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA)

Under Investigation for: The investigation centered on whether Rep. Dicks exchanged
earmarks for campaign contributions from PMA Group lobbyists and clients.146
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
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
Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Engel was under investigation for allegedly improperly retaining
excess per diem funds while on official travel.150 The stipend is meant to cover meals and travel
expenses, and members are directed to return excess funds.151 Rep. Engel told The Wall Street
Journal he usually kept leftover per diem money. If there was anything left, it was negligible.
There are no windfalls from these, he said.152
Engel.154 On December 31, 2010, the committee dropped the per diem investigation.155
Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

Under Investigation for: The OCE investigated Rep. Fitzpatrick for participating in
congressional activities before receiving the oath of office.157 On January 5, 2011, the day Rep.
Fitzpatrick was to be sworn in to the House, he hosted a fundraiser to celebrate the swearing-in at
147
Id.
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
150
Id.
151
152
Id.
153
154
155
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
Representative Elton Gallegly (R-CA)

Under Investigation by: The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the
House Ethics Committee.164
Under Investigation for: Rep. Gallegly, along with three other congressmen, was under
investigation for receiving a preferential mortgage rate from Countrywide Financial.165 Rep.
Gallegly said he didnt know he received any special treatment, and paid off the loan in question
in 2005.166
Status: In December 2011, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), chairman of the Oversight and
Government Reform Committee, referred Rep. Galleglys case to the House Ethics
Committee.167 In July 2012, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee published a
report about Countrywides VIP loan program that included information on Rep. Gallegly.168 On
December 27, 2012, the House Ethics Committee concluded its investigation of Countrywide
Loan recipients, including Rep. Gallegly.169 The committee determined its statute of limitations
158
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
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
Representative Sam Graves (R-MO)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Sam Graves, the ranking member of the Committee on Small
Business, was under investigation for his role in inviting a witness to testify at a committee
hearing, thereby possibly violating conflict of interest rules.174 The witness, a businessman, had
financial interests in the same renewable fuels plant in Missouri as Rep. Graves wife, Lesley
Graves.175
Status: On August 6, 2009 the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics
Committee.176 The House Ethics Committee cleared Rep. Graves of any wrongdoing on October
29, 2009. 177
Representative Michael Grimm (R-NY)

Under Investigation by: The FBI, the House Ethics Committee, and the OCE.178
Under Investigation for: Rep. Grimm was investigated for questionable fundraising practices
during the 2010 congressional campaign.179 Rep. Grimm allegedly sought campaign donations
in excess of campaign finance limits, used straw donors to circumvent those limits, illegally
170
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
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
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
Representative Jane Harman (D-CA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Harman was under investigation after she was caught on
wiretap, allegedly agreeing to press White House officials to reduce criminal charges against two
lobbyists for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. In exchange, the agent allegedly
agreed to lobby then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) in support of Rep. Harmans bid to
chair the House Intelligence Committee.202
Status: In June 2009, Rep. Harman released a letter from the Justice Department saying she was
not the subject of an investigation.203 In November 2009, the House Ethics Committee dropped
the investigation.204 Rep. Harman resigned from Congress on February 8, 2011.205
Representative Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)
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
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Michael Grimm, May 23, 2014.
197
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 for: Rep. Hensarling was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising
recommending dismissal.208 On January 26, 2011, the House Ethics Committee dismissed the
investigation.209
Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)

Under Investigation by: The DOJ, the FBI, the House Ethics Committee, and the OCE.210
Under Investigation for: The FBI is investigating Rep. Jackson for reportedly using his
campaign funds to decorate his house and to buy a $40,000 Rolex watch for a female friend.211
Rep. Jackson was previously under scrutiny for actions related to his bid for appointment to the
Illinois Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.212 The DOJ also interviewed Rep.
Jackson as part of the corruption probe of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-IL).213 Federal authorities
subpoenaed individuals with knowledge of a possible fundraising effort by Rep. Jacksons
supporters meant to encourage Gov. Blagojevich to appoint Rep. Jackson to the Senate.214
Status: On November 7, 2012, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Rep. Jackson was in the midst
of plea discussions to bring the FBI investigation to a close.215 On November 21, 2012, Rep.
Jackson resigned from the House of Representatives effectively ending the House Ethics
Committees investigation into him.216 Previously, on July 24, 2009, the OCE had referred its
investigation of Rep. Jackson to the House Ethics Committee, which had already begun a
separate investigation of Rep. Jackson.217 After delaying its investigation to allow the DOJ to
206
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
Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)

Under Investigation for: The investigation centered on whether Rep. Kaptur exchanged
Status: The OCE closed its investigation into Rep. Kaptur and recommended the House Ethics
Committee dismiss the allegations.221 On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics Committee
dismissed the allegations against Rep. Kaptur.222
Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI)

Under Investigation for: The House Ethics Committee investigated Rep. Kilpatricks
in the Caribbean, as well as the Member Post Travel Disclosure Form she filed.224
Status: On June 8, 2009, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics Committee,
recommending further review.225 On June 24, 2009, the committee established an investigative
subcommittee to conduct an inquiry.226 On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics Committee
released a report finding that Rep. Kilpatrick did not knowingly commit a violation, but
218
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
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
225
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick,
Review No. 09-2567, June 8, 2009.
226
inadvertently received impermissible gifts of travel that required repayment.227 Rep. Kilpatrick
lost her 2010 Democratic primary.228
Representative Chris Lee (R-NY)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Lee was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising before
voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.230
Committee recommending dismissal.231 On January 26, 2011, the House Ethics Committee
dismissed the investigation.232 Rep. Lee resigned from office on February 10, 2011.233
Representative Jerry Lewis (R-CA)

Under Investigation by: The DOJ.234
Under Investigation for: Rep. Lewis was under investigation for allegedly steering millions of
dollars in earmarks to clients of a friend and former colleague in exchange for contributions to
his campaign committee and political action committee.235
Status: On December 3, 2010, the spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Los Angeles
announced it had closed its investigation into Rep. Lewis.236
Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK)

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
230
Id.
231
Id.
232
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
228
Under Investigation for: Rep. Lucas was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising
Representative Howard McKeon (R-CA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. McKeon, along with three other congressmen, was under
investigation for receiving a preferential mortgage rate from Countrywide Financial.242 On July
5, 2012, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee published a report concluding
Rep. McKeon received a one point reduction on his loan as a direct result of personal
intervention by Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo.243 Rep. McKeons spokesperson said he did
not knowingly receive any special treatment from the company.244
Status: In December 2011, Rep. Issa referred Rep. McKeons case to the House Ethics
Committee. 245 In July 2012, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee published a
report about Countrywides VIP loan program that included information on Rep. McKeon.246
On December 27, 2012, the House Ethics Committee concluded its investigation of Countrywide
Loan recipients, including Rep. McKeon.247 The committee determined its statute of limitations
had lapsed, rendering the investigation moot.248 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
238
Id.
Id.
240
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
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
246
247
248
Id.
249
Id.
239
so.250
Representative Gary Miller (R-CA)

Under Investigation by: The FBI and the House Ethics Committee.251
Under Investigation for: Rep. Miller was under investigation by the FBI for failing to pay
capital gains taxes after he claimed he was forced to sell his land to two cities under eminent
domain, allegations both cities have denied.252 The House Ethics Committee reviewed Rep.
Millers real estate transactions to determine whether his investments were tied to official acts.253
Status: The investigations appear to have been dormant for several years.
Representative Timothy Murphy (R-PA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Murphy was under investigation for misusing official resources
for political campaign activity.255
Status: The investigation appears to have been dormant for several years.
Representative Alan Mollohan (D-WV)

Under Investigation by: The DOJ and the House Ethics Committee.256
Under Investigation for: Rep. Mollohan was under investigation for steering money to
nonprofit groups run by his real estate partners.257
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
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
Representative Jim Moran (D-VA)

Under Investigation for: The investigation centered on whether Rep. Moran exchanged
Status: The OCE closed its investigation into Rep. Moran and recommended the House Ethics
Committee dismiss their investigation.262 On February 26, 2010, the House ethics committee
dismissed the allegations against Rep. Moran.263
Representative Solomon Ortiz (D-TX)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Ortiz was under investigation by the committees for allegedly
improperly retaining excess per diem funds while on official travel.265 The stipend is meant to
cover meals and travel expenses, and members are directed to return excess funds.266 The
congressman told the Wall Street Journal that if members knew they had to repay the excess
cash, many members would not travel.267
258
Id.
Chris Cillizza, Rep. Alan Mollohan Loses Democratic Primary in West Virginia, Washington Post, May 11,
2010.
260
261
Id.
262
Id.
263
February 26, 2010.
264
265
Id.
266
267
Id.
268
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
Representative Bill Owens (D-NY)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Owens was under scrutiny for improperly accepting a trip to
Taiwan organized by lobbyists and paid for by the Taiwanese government.273 In December
2011, Rep. Owens filed a travel disclosure with the House Ethics Committee identifying the
Chinese Culture University (CCU) as the sole sponsor of a four-day trip he and his wife were
taking to Taiwan later that month.274 Rep. Owens and his wife flew in first class and stayed at
hotels costing on average $520 per night.275 The entire four-day trip cost $22,132.276 Though
House rules prohibit members from accepting trips organized by lobbyists, lobbyists employed
by Park Strategies, a New York lobbying firm run by former Sen. Al DAmato, suggested and
helped plan the trip.277 Further, the OCE found evidence the trip was paid for by the Taiwanese
government, rather than CCU, in violation of House rules and federal law.278 On May 11, 2012,
the day after ProPublica first reported on the trip, Rep. Owens announced he would reimburse
CCU for the cost of the trip.279
Status: On August 30, 2012, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Owens to the House
Ethics Committee.280 On December 14, 2012, the chairman and ranking member decided to
extend the inquiry into Rep. Owens conduct.281 On February 6, 2013, the chairman and ranking
member announced the House Ethics Committee would continue to review the matter and
released the OCE report.282 On November 15, 2013, the chairman and ranking member released
269
270
271
Will Weissert, Texas US Rep. Ortiz Concedes Defeat to Opponent, Associated Press, November 23, 2010.
272
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
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
Representative Donald Payne (D-NJ)

Under Investigation for: The House Ethics Committee investigated Rep. Paynes acceptance
of reimbursement expenses to attend a conference hosted by Carib News Foundation in the
Caribbean, as well as the Member Post Travel Disclosure Form he filed.285
released a report finding that Rep. Payne did not knowingly commit a violation, but inadvertently
received impermissible gifts of travel that required repayment.288
Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI)

Under Investigation by: The House Ethics Committee and the OCE.
Under Investigation for: Rep. Petri was under investigation for advocating on behalf of a
defense contractor in his district in which he owns stock.289 From 2008 to 2013, Rep. Petri and
his congressional office provided assistance to the Oshkosh Corporation, the Manitowoc
Company, and the Plum Creek Timber Company while he or his wife owned stock in each of the
companies.290 After the Gannett Washington bureau published a report on the congressmans
stock holdings in the Oshkosh Corporation and his actions on behalf of the company, Rep. Petri
asked the House Ethics Committee to review the matter.291
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
286
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Donald Payne, Review No.
09-4403, June 8, 2009.
287
288
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
Representative Earl Pomeroy (D-ND)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Pomeroy was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising
Status: On August 31, 2010, the OCE referred the investigation to the House Ethics committee
recommending dismissal.299 The House Ethics Committee reported that it did not have
jurisdiction to investigate Rep. Pomeroy after he lost his reelection bid in 2010.300
Representative Tom Price (R-GA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Price was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising before
voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.302
292
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Tom Petri, August 18, 2014.
293
Id.
294
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
298
Id.
299
Id.
300
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
302
Id.
recommending further review.303 On January 26, 2011, the House Ethics Committee dismissed
the investigation.304
Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Rangel was under investigation for improperly leasing rentcontrolled apartments, inappropriately using congressional stationary, failing to disclose rental
income on his personal financial disclosure forms, and failing to pay taxes on rental income on
his villa in the Dominican Republic, among other charges.306
Status: At Rep. Rangels own request, the House Ethics Committee initiated a probe into his
conduct on September 24, 2008.307 Almost two years and several delays later, after Rep. Rangel
had stepped down as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, the House
Ethics Committee charged Rep. Rangel with 13 counts of violating House rules.308 On
November 16, 2010, an adjudicatory subcommittee convicted him of 11 ethics charges.309 On
December 2, 2010, the House voted 333 to 79 to censure Rep. Rangel, making him the first
member of the House to be censured in 27 years.310
Representative Jim Renacci (R-OH)

Under Investigation for: The FBI was investigating large campaign contributions made by
employees of an Ohio-based direct marketing corporation, Suarez Corporation Industries, to Rep.
Renacci.312
303
304
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
Representative Silvestre Reyes (D-TX)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Reyes was under investigation for allegedly holding campaign
meetings on the grounds of the House of Representatives and illegally paying for his daughters
living expenses with campaign funds.319 On May 29, 2012, Rep. Reyes lost his bid for reelection
in the Democratic primary.320
Status: On August 30, 2012, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Reyes to the House
Ethics Committee.321 On November 28, 2012, the House Ethics Committee released the OCEs
report about the matter, but did not announce any subsequent course of action.322 On January 3,
2013, Rep. Reyes left office, ending the House Ethics Committees jurisdiction and effectively
ending the investigation.323
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
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
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Silvestre Reyes, October 12, 2012.
322
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
Representative Laura Richardson (D-CA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Richardson was under investigation by the House Ethics
Committee for allegedly misusing her congressional staff.325 The ethics committee investigated
whether her staff was forced to volunteer to work on Rep. Richardsons 2010 re-election
campaign.326 Previously, Rep. Richardson was investigated by the OCE and the House Ethics
Committee for allegations she knowingly received preferential treatment from a bank lender
while one of Rep. Richardsons homes was in foreclosure.327 On August 6, 2009, the OCE
referred the case to the House Ethics Committee recommending further review into the question
of preferential treatment.328 On June 30, 2010, the House Ethics Committee dismissed that
investigation.329
Status: On November 3, 2011, the House Ethics Committee voted to establish an investigative
subcommittee to determine whether Rep. Richardson broke any laws or House rules.330 On
August 1, 2012, the committee issued a report concluding Rep. Richardson violated federal law
and House rules and even obstructed the committees investigation.331 The committee
recommended the House of Representatives reprimand Rep. Richardson and fine her $10,000.332
On August 2, 2012, the House of Representatives approved the fine and officially reprimanded
Rep. Richardson.333
Representative David Rivera (R-FL)

Under Investigation by: The FBI, the IRS, and the Miami Dade Police.334
Under Investigation for: The FBI and the IRS are looking at whether a family company
compensated Rep. Rivera for leading a pro-slots campaign for a dog track during his time in the
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
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
Representative Peter Roskam (R-IL)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Roskam is under scrutiny for a trip he and his wife took to
Taiwan in 2011.348 Rep. Roskam was originally invited to visit Taiwan by the Taipei Economic
and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) under the Mutual Educational and Cultural
Exchange Act, but when he decided to bring his wife on the trip, TECRO instead arranged for
the couple to be invited by Chinese Culture University (CCU), a private sponsor permitted to pay
for Mrs. Roskams travel.349 A representative of TECRO provided Rep. Roskams office with an
official invitation from CCU and an itinerary saying the university was the sponsor. The House
Ethics Committee formally approved the trip in September 2011.350 According to the OCE
report, however, CCU had no interaction with Rep. Roskam or his staff prior to the trip, and
TECRO officials continued to plan and arrange the trip.351 The OCE found substantial reason to
believe that Rep. Roskam violated federal law and House rules by accepting a trip paid for by the
Taiwanese government.352
Status: On June 13, 2013, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Roskam to the House
Ethics Committee.353 On July 26, 2013, the chairman and ranking member decided to extend the
committees inquiry into Rep. Roskams conduct.354 On September 11, 2013, the House Ethics
Committee announced it would continue to review the matter involving Rep. Roskam and release
the OCEs report on the matter.355 The OCE found there was substantial reason to believe Rep.
Roskam accepted an impermissible gift in violation of federal law and House rules.356 On
November 15, 2013, the chairman and ranking member released the committees report on Rep.
Roskam and announced that the investigation was closed because there is insufficient evidence
to show [Rep.] Roskams travel was improper.357
347
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
Ethics Regarding Representative Peter Roskam, July 26, 2013.
354
Id.
355
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.
Representative Jean Schmidt (R-OH)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Schmidt was under investigation for allegedly improperly
receiving free legal services from a Turkish-American interest group, the Turkish Coalition of
America (TCA), and its legal defense fund, the Turkish American Legal Defense Fund.359
Status: On May 18, 2011, the OCE referred its investigation of Rep. Schmidt to the House
Ethics Committee finding substantial reason to believe Rep. Schmidt violated two house rules.360
On August 1, 2011, the House Ethics Committee concluded that Rep. Schmidt did, in fact, break
house rules, but did not do so knowingly, and therefore did not deserve an official sanction.361
Following its investigation, the ethics committee sent a letter to Rep. Schmidt requiring her to 1)
ensure the TCA no longer pays her legal bills, 2) pay back the TCAs lawyers for all their legal
fees to date, 3) amend her 2009 and 2010 financial disclosure forms to include the legal fees as a
gift, and 4) disclose any unpaid legal fees from TCA as liabilities on future financial disclosure
forms.362
Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL)

Under Investigation by: The House Ethics Committee, the OCE, and the FBI.363
Under Investigation for: Rep. Schock is under investigation for soliciting a $25,000
contribution for a super PAC from House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA).364 On March 15,
2012, Rep. Schock asked Rep. Cantor to contribute $25,000 to the Campaign for Primary
Accountability (CPA), a super PAC attacking incumbents.365 Rep. Schock was working with the
group to support freshman Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) over ten-term incumbent Rep. Dan
Manzullo (R-IL) in their primary race.366 Rep. Cantor agreed, directing his PAC, ERICPAC, to
donate the money to CPA on the condition it only be used to support Rep. Kinzinger.367 Federal
law prohibits elected officials from soliciting contributions of more than $5,000 for super
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
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Jean Schmidt, August 5, 2011.
362
Id.
363
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
Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Sessions, along with three other congressmen, was under
investigation for receiving a mortgage from Countrywide Financial.374 Rep. Sessions
spokesperson said he specifically requested that he not be extended any special benefits or
treatment from Countrywide and that he believes his simple request was honored.375
Government Reform Committee, referred Rep. Sessions case to the House Ethics Committee.376
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.
Sessions.377 The report concluded Countrywide did not offer Rep. Sessions special loan terms.378
On December 27, 2012, the House Ethics Committee concluded its investigation of Countrywide
Loan recipients, including Rep. Sessions.379 The committee determined its statute of limitations
had lapsed, rendering the investigation moot.380 The committee did specifically compliment
Rep. Sessions, noting that the steps he took to reject any special treatment are an excellent way
to avoid even the appearance of impropriety.381
368
Daniel Newhauser, Groups File FEC Complaint Against Aaron Schock, Roll Call, April 30, 2012.
Sherman, Bresnahan, and Palmer, Politico, March 15, 2015.
370
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
378
Id.
379
380
Id.
381
Id.
369
Representative Pete Stark (D-CA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Stark was investigated for receiving a Maryland homestead tax
credit while he was registered to vote in California.383 The OCE found that Rep. Stark may have
violated Maryland law and ethics rules, and referred the matter to the House Ethics
Committee.384
Status: On January 28, 2010, the House Ethics Committee concluded its investigation into Rep.
Stark, finding he had not violated House ethics rules.385
Representative Cliff Stearns (R-FL)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Stearns is under investigation by the FBI for allegedly offering
his primary opponent money and job appointments in return for dropping out of the race.387
Status: On August 14, 2012, Rep. Stearns lost his bid for reelection in the Republican primary,
and on January 3, 2013, he left Congress.388 The status of the investigation is unknown.
Representative Steve Stockman (R-TX)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Stockman is under investigation for accepting campaign
contributions from two of his congressional employees, making false statements on official
forms, and compensating part-time congressional employees on a full-time basis.390 In February
382
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
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
Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS)

Under Investigation for: The House Ethics Committee investigated Rep. Thompsons
in the Caribbean, as well as the Member Post Travel Disclosure Form he filed.401
391
OCE Report, p. 10-11.

393
394
OCE Report, p. 25.
395
OCE Report, p. 27.
396
Matthew Daly, Steve Stockman Has Been Served, Huffington Post, November 13, 2014.
397
OCE Report, p 1.
398
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Steve Stockman, June 11, 2014.
399
Abby Livingston, John Cornyn Wins GOP Nomination for Senate in Texas, Roll Call, March 4, 2014.
400
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Bennie Thompson, Review
No. 09-2222, 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.
401
392
released a report finding that Rep. Thompson did not knowingly commit a violation, but
inadvertently received impermissible gifts of travel that required repayment.404
Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA)

Under Investigation for: The OCE investigated whether Rep. Thompsons support for the wine
industry benefitted his campaign donors or a vineyard he owns.406 Rep. Thompson has received
more than $1 million in contributions from the alcoholic beverage industry since his election to
Congress, and he has been a major advocate for the industry.407 Additionally, Rep. Thompson
has backed several proposals, including a special designation from the Treasury Department,
which would have enhanced the value of his own vineyard and other vineyards close by.408
Status: In 2011, the OCE investigated Rep. Thompsons actions, and, according to his
communications director, the OCE unanimously decided against further review.409
Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)

Under Investigation by: The DOJ, the OCE and the House Ethics Committee.410
Under Investigation for: The investigation centered on whether Rep. Tiahrt exchanged
Status: The OCE recommended further investigation into Rep. Tiahrts case, and said his
actions may have violated the law.412 On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics Committee
dismissed the allegations against Rep. Tiahrt.413 On May 27, 2010, the OCE said it had referred
402
Office of Congressional Ethics, 111th Congress, Report and Findings Related to Rep. Bennie Thompson, Review
No. 09-2222, June 8, 2009.
403
404
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
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
Representative John Tierney (D-MA)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Tierney was under scrutiny for failing to report income his wife,
Patrice, received from her brother on his personal financial disclosure forms or to the Internal
Revenue Service.417 Federal prosecutors say Ms. Tierney, who served a month in federal prison
in 2011 after pleading guilty to assisting her brother in filing false tax returns, received about
$223,000 through a joint bank account with her brother Robert Eremian, who is a federal
fugitive.418 Ms. Tierney managed the bank account.419 The Tierneys have described the money
as a gift from a relative that did not need to be reported.420 Ms. Tierney, however, has also
suggested the money was salary earned by working for her brother.421 I did a lot of work, Ms.
Tierney testified during the federal gambling trial of her other brother, Daniel Eremian.422
Status: The OCE found substantial reason to believe Rep Tierneys wife earned income from a
source that was not disclosed in his financial disclosure statements and that he did not include in
their joint federal income tax returns.423 On June 13, 2013, the OCE referred its investigation of
Rep. Tierney to the House Ethics Committee.424 On September 11, 2013, the House Ethics
Committee said it had unanimously concluded the evidence was inconclusive and voted to end
its review of the matter without further action.425
Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY)

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
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
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
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
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
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
430
431
432
Id.
433
Id.
434
Id.
428
Representative Pete Visclosky (D-IN)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Visclosky was under investigation for his ties to the PMA
Group.436 In fall 2008, the FBI raided the lobbying firm the PMA Group for potentially making
improper campaign donations to members of Congress.437 Rep. Visclosky was one of the top
three recipients of donations from the firm and its clients.438 In March 2009, Rep. Visclosky
returned over $18,000 in campaign contributions from the PMA Groups board of directors and
lobbyists.439
Status: On March 21, 2009, Rep. Viscloskys campaign wrote a letter to the FEC seeking
permission to use campaign funds for legal expenses that may arise from the FBIs investigation
into the PMA Group; in August, the FEC approved Rep. Viscloskys request.440 On May 29,
2009, it was reported that Rep. Visclosky was subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in regards to
the PMA Group investigation.441 On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics Committee
exonerated Rep. Visclosky.442 Nonetheless, the OCE concluded, There is probable cause to
believe that Rep. Visclosky solicited or accepted contributions or other items of value in
exchange for or because of an official act.443 On May 27, 2010, the OCE referred the
investigation to DOJ.444
Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA)

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
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
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
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
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
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
Representative Melvin Watt (D-NC)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Watt was under investigation by the OCE for fundraising before
voting on the 2009 financial regulatory reform bill.459 In addition, the OCE was investigating a
Rep. Watt-sponsored amendment to the financial regulatory reform bill.460 The amendment
would have put auto dealers who provide car financing under the oversight of a new regulator,
but two days after Rep. Watts fundraiser, he withdrew the proposal461
Representative Anthony Weiner (D-NY)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Weiner was under investigation for possible abuse of
government resources in connection with his inappropriate online contacts.465 On May 28, 2011,
Rep. Weiner sent a lewd photo of himself from his Twitter account to a woman in Seattle.466 He
falsely claimed his account had been hacked and said he had not sent the picture before finally
admitting that the picture was of me, and I sent it.467 In addition, Rep. Weiner acknowledged
exchanging similar explicit messages with at least five other women.468 Subsequent reports
raised questions about whether Rep. Weiner contacted these women using government resources,
and also suggested he may have used official resources to manage the public relations crisis.469
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
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
Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC)

Under Investigation for: Rep. Wilson was under investigation by the committees for allegedly
improperly retaining excess per diem funds while on official travel.473 The stipend is meant to
cover meals and travel expenses, and members are directed to return excess funds.474 The OCE
began an investigation into Rep. Wilson in the spring of 2010, after he told the Wall Street
Journal he once used his per diem to purchase marble goblets in Kabul.475 In addition, the ethics
committee was investigating the large number of foreign trips he had taken over the past eight
years.476
Wilson.478 On December 31, 2010, the committee dropped the per diem investigation.479
Representative David Wu (D-OR)

Under Investigation by: The House Ethics Committee.
Under Investigation for: On July 22, 2011, the Oregonian newspaper reported that a teenager
had accused Rep. Wu of initiating unwanted sexual contact with her in November 2010.480 Rep.
Wu admitted to his aides that an encounter took place, but said the contact was consensual.481
470
Margasak, Associated Press, June 13, 2011.

Raymond Hernandez, Weiner Resigns in Chaotic Final Scene, New York Times, June 16, 2011.
472
473
Id.
474
475
Brody Mullins and T.W. Farnam, Lawmakers Keep the Change, Wall Street Journal, March 2, 2010.
476
James Rosen, No Lie: Ethics Probe of Joe Wilson's Travel Wider Than Disclosed, McClatchy Newspapers,
September 4, 2010.
477
478
479
480
Charles Pope, Janie Har, and Beth Slovic, Sources: Young Woman Accuses Oregon Rep. David Wu of
Aggressive, Unwanted Sexual Encounter, Oregonian, July 22, 2011.
481
Id.
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
Representative C.W. Bill Young (R-FL)

Under Investigation for: The investigation centered on whether Rep. Young exchanged
Status: The OCE closed its investigation into Rep. Young and recommended the House Ethics
Committee dismiss their investigation.489 On February 26, 2010, the House Ethics Committee
dismissed the allegations against Rep. Young.490
Representative Don Young (R-AK)

Under Investigation for: The House Ethics Committee investigated whether contributions to
Rep. Youngs legal defense fund exceeded legal limits.492 Rep. Young set up the fund to pay for
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
488
Id.
489
Id.
490
February 26, 2010.
491
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
the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Don Young, March 19, 2013.
501
Press Release, House Committee on Ethics, Nov. 28, 2011.
502
Id.
503
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
Senator Roland Burris (D-IL)

Under Investigation by: The Senate Ethics Committee and the Illinois Sangamon County State
Attorneys Office.507
Under Investigation for: Sen. Burris was under investigation over his testimony concerning his
contacts with indicted former Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-IL) and Sen. Burris appointment to
the Senate.508 While under oath, Sen. Burris has offered at least three different descriptions of
events, and admitted he had tried to raise money for the former governor.509
Status: On June 19, 2009, state prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to charge
Sen. Burris with perjury.510 On November 20, 2009, the Senate Ethics Committee issued a letter
of qualified admonition to Sen. Burris for actions and statements reflecting unfavorably upon
the Senate in connection with your appointment to and seating in the Senate.511 Sen. Burris did
not run for re-election in 2010.512
Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND)

Under Investigation by: The Senate Ethics Committee.513
Under Investigation for: Sen. Conrad was under investigation for possibly receiving a
preferential mortgage rate from Countrywide Financial.514 Sen. Conrad admitted to talking to
Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo while looking for a mortgage, but denied knowingly receiving
special treatment from the company.515
Status: On August 7, 2009, the Senate Ethics Committee said it found no substantial credible
evidence that Sen. Conrad 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.516
Senator Chris Dodd (D-CT)

Under Investigation by: The Senate Ethics Committee.517
507
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
Senator John Ensign (R-NV)

Under Investigation by: The Senate Ethics Committee, the DOJ, and the FEC.521
Under Investigation for: Sen. Ensign was under investigation for actions surrounding his affair
with a staffer.522 Between December 2007 and July 2008, Sen. Ensign engaged in an affair with
Cynthia Hampton, who was at the time, his campaign and PAC treasurer.523 Ms. Hampton was
married to Doug Hampton, then the senators administrative assistant.524 In the spring of 2009,
Sen. Ensign agreed to end the affair and terminate the Hamptons employment.525
As a part of the termination, Sen. Ensign agreed to provide transition finances to the
Hamptons.526 On April 7, 2009, the Ensign Family Trust, which is controlled by Sen. Ensigns
father, wrote a check for $96,000 to Cynthia and Doug Hampton and two of their children.527
After the Hamptons received the money, Ms. Hampton left her job as the campaigns
treasurer.528 The Senate Ethics Committees special counsel determined that this payment
constituted an illegal severance payment violating campaign finance laws, as well as Senate rules
prohibiting unofficial office accounts.529
When Mr. Hampton resigned from the Senators office on May 1, 2008, Sen. Ensign illegally
helped Mr. Hampton violate a one-year lobbying ban, and then assisted Mr. Hamptons clients
with their legislative agendas.530 The Senate Ethics Committees special counsel determined that
these actions violated federal lobbying laws.531
518
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
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
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.
Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ)

Under Investigation for: Sen. Menendez was under investigation by the Newark, NJ U.S.
Attorneys Office and later the U.S. Attorney for the eastern district of Pennsylvania for
collecting rent from an anti-poverty group for which he helped win federal funds, the North
Hudson Community Action Corporation.540 The group was run by a donor to Sen. Menendezs
campaign.541 In 2007, federal investigators began looking into Sen. Menendezs relationship
with his former chief of staff, lobbyist Kay LiCausi, to determine whether the senator improperly
helped her or her clients win contracts and federal funding.542
Status: On October 5, 2011, the U.S. Attorney handling the case informed Sen. Menendezs
lawyer that the office had closed its investigation into Sen. Menendez.543
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

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Closed Investigations

Representative Robert Aderholt (R-AL)

Representative Rob Andrews (D-NJ)

Representative Michele Bachmann (R-MN)

Representative Spencer Bachus (R-AL)

Representative Joe Barton (R-TX)

Representative Shelley Berkley (D-NV)

Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)

Layton, Washington Post, Oct. 30, 2009.

Representative Tim Bishop (D-NY)

Bluestein and Evans, Associated Press, March 6, 2009.

Representative Paul Broun (R-GA)

Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-NC)

Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA)

Representative John Campbell (R-CA)

Delegate Donna Christensen (D-VI)

Representative Yvette Clarke (D-NY)

Representative Joseph Crowley (D-NY)

Representative Nathan Deal (R-GA)

Representative Scott DesJarlais (R-TN)

Under Investigation by: The Tennessee Department of Health.135

Representative Norm Dicks (D-WA)

Representative Eliot Engel (D-NY)

Representative Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA)

Representative Elton Gallegly (R-CA)

Representative Sam Graves (R-MO)

Representative Michael Grimm (R-NY)

Representative Jane Harman (D-CA)

Representative Jeb Hensarling (R-TX)

Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL)

Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH)

Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D-MI)

Representative Chris Lee (R-NY)

Representative Jerry Lewis (R-CA)

Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK)

Representative Howard McKeon (R-CA)

Representative Gary Miller (R-CA)

Representative Timothy Murphy (R-PA)

Representative Alan Mollohan (D-WV)

Representative Jim Moran (D-VA)

Representative Solomon Ortiz (D-TX)

Representative Bill Owens (D-NY)

Representative Donald Payne (D-NJ)

Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI)

Representative Earl Pomeroy (D-ND)

Representative Tom Price (R-GA)

Representative Charles Rangel (D-NY)

Representative Jim Renacci (R-OH)

Representative Silvestre Reyes (D-TX)

Representative Laura Richardson (D-CA)

Representative David Rivera (R-FL)

Representative Peter Roskam (R-IL)

Representative Jean Schmidt (R-OH)

Representative Aaron Schock (R-IL)

Representative Pete Sessions (R-TX)

Representative Pete Stark (D-CA)

Representative Cliff Stearns (R-FL)

Representative Steve Stockman (R-TX)

Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS)

OCE Report, p. 10-11.

Representative Mike Thompson (D-CA)

Representative Todd Tiahrt (R-KS)

Representative John Tierney (D-MA)

Representative Edolphus Towns (D-NY)