Two Republican lawmakers are facing extended investigations by the House Ethics Committee, but they are pushing back against the news. It is unclear if the investigations into Reps. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) and Wesley Hunt (R-TX) are related. The committee, which reviews alleged misconduct among members and is referred matters from the Office of Congressional Ethics, announced the investigations on Thursday. The allegations reportedly pertain to payments made from their campaign committees at private clubs.
In the case of Rep. Jackson, the committee’s comments come after a report from two years ago found “substantial reason to believe” he used campaign funds for membership in a private social club. Jackson’s spokesperson dismissed the complaint as baseless and stated that they have fully complied with the Ethics Committee.
Hunt’s spokesperson also expressed confidence that the matter will be dismissed shortly and reiterated his cooperation with the Ethics Committee.
Both announcements indicated that the panel’s next step will be on or before June 24. Meanwhile, the committee is also gathering information for an ongoing review into Rep. Troy Nehls’s finances. The OCE found probable cause to believe Nehls may have converted campaign funds for personal use.
Nehls has refused to cooperate with the OCE, stating that he is only cooperating with the legitimate House Committee on Ethics.
