The Justice Department is conducting an investigation into whether Representative Cori Bush mishandled campaign funds, including hiring her now-husband for security services. The Office of Congressional Ethics previously recommended dismissing allegations against Ms. Bush, stating that the security work was legitimate due to threats she faced. Ms. Bush maintains that she has not used federal funds for personal security and is cooperating with the investigation.
Ms. Bush, a Democrat from Missouri, has been vocal about the death threats she has received and spent more on security than any other House member after the Capitol assault on January 6, 2021. The House Ethics Committee is also investigating the matter.
Federal prosecutors are inquiring about Ms. Bush’s security expenditures and her husband’s involvement, although it is unclear if the investigation extends beyond the ethics inquiry. The Justice Department has issued subpoenas to members of Ms. Bush’s campaign team for documents regarding the security payments.
In response to complaints filed by a conservative group, it was noted that Ms. Bush’s campaign paid significant amounts for security, including payments to her husband, who did not have a St. Louis private security license at the time. Ms. Bush maintains that she followed all applicable rules and hired her husband for security services due to his experience in the field at or below fair market rate.
Lawmakers are allowed to use campaign funds for security services against threats, but the Federal Election Commission emphasizes that the funds must be used only for legitimate security services. The investigation has attracted attention after a grand jury subpoena was issued to obtain documents related to the case.
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