House Democrats violated ethics rules during last week’s sit-in demanding action on gun control, according to a watchdog group.
The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust filed a formal complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics Monday charging that Democratic lawmakers violated the chamber’s ethics rules by fundraising off of official actions and using the House floor for political purposes.
The group noted fundraising emails from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee signed by Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi that solicited campaign donations during the nearly 26-hour sit-in.
USA Today reported:
The House ethics manual states: "The House buildings, and House rooms and offices – including district offices – are supported with official funds and hence are considered official resources. Accordingly, as a general rule, they may not be used for the conduct of campaign or political activities. Thus, for example, a Member may not film a campaign commercial or have campaign photos taken in a congressional office." … But at least two Democrats, Jared Huffman of California and Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, sent campaign emails during the sit-in featuring images of them engaged in the protest on the House floor. Lujan's appeal specifically requested a donation; Huffman provided a link to a signup for his campaign website.
The group also accused Democratic lawmakers of violating the chamber’s ban on soliciting campaign donations while taking legislative actions.
"The public expects, and the rules require, that Members take action based on merit, and not in an effort to seek campaign contributions," Matthew Whitakers, FACT’s executive director, wrote in the complaint. "This type of behavior is precisely why the public distrusts elected officials."
Pelosi spokesman Drew Hammill told USA Today the complaint was "ridiculous and without merit."
FACT recommended that any donations received in response to sit-in fundraising emails should be returned.