NEW: Pelosi’s Ethics Committee Fails, Shuts Down Witchhunts Against GOP Reps

The House Ethics Committee announced Monday that it is closing investigations into alleged campaign finance violations by four members of Congress, including two prominent Republicans. The decision, released in a lengthy press statement, concluded that while some members may not have fully adhered to campaign finance standards, no intentional misuse of funds was found.

Representatives Wesley Hunt (R-TX), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Alex Mooney (R-WV), and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) were among those under scrutiny. The investigations centered on allegations of personal use of campaign funds, a violation of federal law, and the House Code of Official Conduct.

“Existing law and guidance from the [Federal Election Commission] is often ambiguous and provides for significant gray areas of spending,” the report stated. The Committee issued updated guidelines to members and closed the investigations, claiming no evidence of intentional wrongdoing. “Members have wide discretion in determining what constitutes a bona fide campaign or political purpose,” the statement read, but it emphasized the prohibition against converting campaign funds to personal use.

Republican Rep. Jackson welcomed the Ethics Committee’s decision, viewing it as a clear vindication. He stated, “I am glad to put this ridiculous, partisan, and politically motivated matter behind me, and I am looking forward to working alongside President Trump to improve the lives of my constituents and all Americans.”

WASHINGTON, DC – March 22, 2024: U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Tex.) runs out of the Capitol following a vote to keep the government funded until September 30.

Both Republican Reps. Jackson and Hunt were under investigation for using campaign funds to pay for private club memberships. Rep. Jackson reportedly spent nearly $12,000 at the Amarillo Club, while Rep. Hunt spent over $74,000 at the Post Oak Hotel’s exclusive Oak Room, according to The Texas Tribune. Both denied wrongdoing, asserting that the expenses were for campaign-related activities.

The Office of Congressional Ethics finalized the reports in March and forwarded them to the House Ethics Committee for further investigation. In his written reply to the OCE probe, Jackson asserted that he did not breach ethics regulations. Hunt submitted documents concerning his expenditures at the Oak Room.

WASHINGTON, DC – March 22, 2024: U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Tex.) runs out of the Capitol following a vote to keep the government funded until September 30.

In 2020, the OCE found “substantial” evidence that Rep. Bishop improperly used campaign and taxpayer funds for personal expenses. Allegations include spending on golf club memberships, personal travel, meals, and tuition payments. Bishop acknowledged some improper spending and has taken corrective actions, such as reimbursing funds and appointing a new campaign treasurer at the time. Rep. Mooney faced scrutiny over alleged misuse of campaign funds for personal expenses, including family vacations and meals.

“The Committee has contacted relevant Members to provide them with a copy of the updated guidance as well as specific findings and recommendations with respect to that Member’s campaign activity,” Monday’s press release closed. “The Committee will take no further action in those matters and will consider them closed.”

Republican voters are likely to see this as another chapter in what they perceive as a pattern of partisan targeting.

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