The Justice Department has launched an investigation into Democratic Representative Cori Bush of Missouri over allegations of the improper use of government funds earmarked for her security detail, according to sources close to the matter.
The St. Louis Democrat, confirming the probe on Tuesday, emphasized that she has faced ongoing threats to her personal safety since before taking office. She asserted that, as a rank-and-file member of Congress, she is not entitled to House-provided security and has instead utilized campaign funds for security services.
The investigation, initially reported by Punchbowl News, allegedly centers on the utilization of the Member Representation Allowance (MRA), which Congress members use for office expenses. Sources suggest that the probe is scrutinizing how Bush allocated these funds.
In 2023, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a watchdog group, submitted a formal complaint to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), expressing apprehension over the continuous payments Bush made to her now-husband, Cortney Merritts. Bush employed Merritts for security services.
Merritts, whom she married in February 2023, received more than $100,000 in payments. He was added to her campaign's payroll in January 2022, initially listed for "security" payments. Later in April, Fox News Digital reported that the description was changed to "wage expenses."
FACT Executive Director Kendra Arnold emphasized that their complaint highlighted issues such as the close personal relationship, large payments to others for similar services, and the reported lack of a license for Merritts to provide security services.
Last year, the Committee to Defeat the President alleged that Bush violated campaign finance laws by paying Merritts $60,000 for security without a license. Bush's campaign also paid $225,281 to PEACE Security in 2022.
Overall, Bush faced criticism for spending over $500,000 on her private security, despite advocating for the defunding of the police movement, according to a Fox News report.
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Denial, Cooperation From Rep. Cori Bush
In addition to the Justice Department probe, Rep. Bush confirmed that the FEC and the House Committee on Ethics are also reviewing the matter. However, she pointed out that the Office of Congressional Ethics, in a unanimous decision last year, found no evidence of wrongdoing and dismissed the case.
Bush has vehemently denied any misuse of federal tax dollars for personal security services. In a statement, she declared, "Any reporting that I have used federal funds for personal security is simply false."
Furthermore, she has emphasized her full cooperation with the ongoing Justice Department investigation.
The congresswoman clarified that she retained her husband as part of her security team not without adhering to relevant rules. She highlighted his considerable experience in the field, ensuring he could provide necessary services at or below a fair market rate.
Bush also accused "right-wing organizations" of fueling the investigations and deemed them "frivolous." She expressed her commitment to continuing her work in Congress despite these distractions.
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