FACT Claims Michigan Congresswoman Illegally Used Official Resources in Fundraising Email
Washington, D.C.—March 31, 2020— Today, the non-partisan ethics watchdog, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) against U.S. Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) for violating multiple U.S. House of Representatives ethics rules.
According to FACT, Representative Stevens sent a fundraising email on March 28, 2020, in which she used a photograph of herself on the House floor and solicited campaign contributions tied to her official actions.
The email mentions Stevens’ vote in favor of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, then requests a campaign contribution tied to the same subject.
FACT maintains the email violates clear House ethics rules prohibiting Members from using government resources and action taken in their official capacity to fund their political campaigns.
“The ethics rules explicitly prohibit Members from using House floor photographs for campaign purposes and from soliciting campaign contributions tied to votes,” stated Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of FACT. “It is important these laws are followed and enforced to protect taxpayers and ensure every vote is taken on its merit and not for political gain,” added Arnold.
Full copies of the complaint and fundraising email can be found here.
FACT is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting accountability, ethics, and transparency in government and civic arenas. For more on FACT, visit: www.factdc.org
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