Justice Department Investigates Cori Bush’s Campaign Security Spending

In a recent statement, Missouri Democrat Rep. Cori Bush confirmed that the Justice Department is investigating her campaign’s spending on security services. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Bush emphasized her campaign’s full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

As a former Black Lives Matter organizer and a prominent progressive figure on Capitol Hill, Bush highlighted the continuous threats to her physical safety since her election in 2020. Not entitled to personal protection by the House, she justified the use of campaign funds for security services, vehemently denying the use of federal tax dollars for personal security.

The Justice Department’s involvement was revealed when a grand jury subpoena was issued to the House sergeant at arms for documents. While the specific focus of the federal probe wasn’t initially disclosed, it has now come to light that it pertains to the Democratic lawmaker’s use of security funds.

The investigation gained attention last February when Bush married her security guard, Cortney Merritts, and retained him on her campaign payroll for security services. This raised eyebrows, leading to complaints filed by conservative watchdog groups with the Federal Election Commission. Federal law allows lawmakers to pay relatives for campaign work, provided it involves bona fide services at fair market value.

Bush defended the employment of her husband, stating his extensive experience and ability to provide services at or below fair market rates. A review of her campaign expenditures revealed a total spending of $756,748.42 on security since her initial run for Congress in the 2018 cycle.

Accusing right-wing opponents of baseless complaints, Bush highlighted that the independent Office of Congressional Ethics had investigated and unanimously voted to dismiss the matter. However, the bipartisan House Ethics Committee has not yet closed the case.

The House sergeant at arms confirmed the subpoena’s receipt during the opening session on Monday, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized Bush’s entitlement to the presumption of innocence. Meanwhile, Republican leaders in the House declined to comment.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains a focal point of attention, with House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar deferring inquiries to the Justice Department. The unfolding situation is anticipated to follow the facts and be conducted professionally. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

In a recent statement, Missouri Democrat Rep. Cori Bush confirmed that the Justice Department is investigating her campaign’s spending on security services. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Bush emphasized her campaign’s full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. As a former Black Lives Matter organizer and a prominent progressive figure on Capitol Hill, Bush highlighted the continuous…