The members of what has commonly been referred to as “The Squad” in Congress compose of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Ayanna Pressley. Since its inception, they also added Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Greg Casar, and Summer Lee. Now, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced that they launched a criminal investigation into allegations that Representative Cori Bush misspent campaign funds on security services provided by her husband at an inflated rate. The congresswoman confirmed the investigation in a statement, emphasizing her commitment to integrity and transparency. This development comes after the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) in March 2023, raising concerns about the use of campaign funds for personal purposes.
????BREAKING NEWS — THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT is conducting a criminal probe into @CoriBush, according to six sources familiar with the investigation.
The Justice Department subpoenaed the House Sergeant at Arms for records relating to the misspending of federal security money.…
— Jake Sherman (@JakeSherman) January 30, 2024
The allegations against Cori Bush involve the payment of $60,000 in 2022 for security services provided by her husband, Cortney Merritts, whom she married in February 2023. FACT’s complaint suggested that these payments may have been unnecessary or above fair market value due to the personal relationship between Bush and Merritts. The complaint further questioned whether these payments constituted impermissible payments to a family member or an impermissible gift.
Bush, a member of the progressive Squad and a vocal advocate for defunding the police, has faced criticism for spending over $500,000 on private security. In addition to payments to her husband, her campaign also paid more than $225,000 to PEACE Security and $50,000 to security guard Nathaniel Davis in 2022.
Rep Cori Bush spent over $750,000 on her own private security while calling for defunding law enforcement!
Now she’s being investigated for Federal misuse of security funds. ???????????? pic.twitter.com/JGrMNy02zr
— ????????ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) January 30, 2024
The DOJ’s criminal probe into Cori Bush’s alleged misspending of campaign funds highlights the seriousness of the allegations. The department has subpoenaed the House Sergeant at Arms for records related to the alleged misspending, indicating a comprehensive investigation into the matter. While the DOJ has declined to comment on the investigation, Bush has assured full cooperation with the authorities.
In response to the allegations, Cori Bush has defended her actions, stating that she has endured threats to her physical safety and life, necessitating the use of security services. As a rank-and-file member of Congress, she is not entitled to personal protection by the House and has used campaign funds, rather than federal tax dollars, to retain security services. Bush maintains that she has complied with all applicable laws and House rules.
She also addressed the hiring of her husband as a security guard, stating that she retained him due to his extensive experience in the field and his ability to provide services at or below fair market rates. While right-wing organizations have lodged baseless complaints against her, Bush asserts that she has prioritized adherence to the rules governing federal elected officials.
FACT, the organization that filed the complaint with the FEC, is known for its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in government. Its executive director, Kendra Arnold, expressed concerns about the potential misuse of campaign funds by Cori Bush. The complaint called for an investigation into whether the payments to Cortney Merritts constituted a violation of campaign finance laws.
The FEC is responsible for enforcing and regulating campaign finance laws in the United States. Upon receiving the complaint from FACT, it was tasked with investigating the allegations against Cori Bush. The FEC’s role is to ensure the integrity of the campaign finance system and hold individuals accountable for any violations.
If the DOJ’s criminal investigation uncovers evidence of misspending campaign funds, Cori Bush could face legal consequences. The potential violations, if proven, could result in penalties and fines. Moreover, the investigation raises questions about the ethical conduct of elected officials and the use of campaign funds for personal purposes.
The allegations against Cori Bush have attracted significant attention and sparked discussions about campaign finance regulations and the responsibilities of elected officials. Critics argue that her actions undermine the principles of transparency and integrity in public office, especially considering her vocal support for defunding the police.
On the other hand, supporters of Cori Bush contend that she has faced legitimate threats and requires security services for her personal safety. They argue that the allegations are politically motivated and an attempt to discredit a progressive voice within Congress.