Tlaib, Huizenga each face further investigation over possible misuse of campaign funds

Two members of Michigan’s U.S. House delegation are facing ongoing ethics probes over possible misuse of campaign funds.

The U.S. House Ethics Committee had announced last month that it was investigating Reps. Bill Huizenga (R-Zeeland) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit), but at the time offered no specifics on the reasons. Late on Thursday, however, the bipartisan panel chaired by U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) released separate reports on each, recommending further investigation for both members.

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In Tlaib’s case, the investigation stems from a salary the first-term Detroit-area lawmaker stems from a salary paid to the candidate by her campaign committee.

While running for the 13th District seat in Southeast Michigan, Tlaib was employed by the Sugar Law Center for Economic & Social Justice in Detroit. But she cut back on hours in order to focus on her campaign. The campaign ultimately decided that it was legal to pay Tlaib and she went on to draw a salary of $45,500 from her campaign while running for office.

Some of the salary payments, however, occurred after Tlaib’s election to Congress — but before taking office — raising questions with the Office of Congressional Ethics.

Read more: https://www.michiganadvance.com/2019/11/15/tlaib-huizenga-each-face-further-investigation-over-possible-misuse-of-campaign-funds/