“The ethics rules explicitly prohibit Members from using House floor photographs for campaign purposes and soliciting campaign contributions tied to votes.”
April 1, 2020
Watchdog Argues Rep. Haley Stevens Violated House Ethics Rules by Fundraising Off Controversial Floor Speech Photo
FOX News: Watchdog argues Michigan Dem violated House ethics rules by fundraising off controversial floor speech photo
A government watchdog group argued Tuesday that Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., violated congressional ethics rules by trying to fundraise off a photo showing her speaking from the House floor in a now-viral address that included pink gloves and shouting about the coronavirus response.
The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) filed an official complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), arguing that she inappropriately used government resources and her official capacity to solicit campaign donations.
“The ethics rules explicitly prohibit Members from using House floor photographs for campaign purposes and soliciting campaign contributions tied to votes,” FACT Executive Director Kendra Arnold said in a press release. “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.”
The email in question, which came from her campaign’s email account, begins with a photo of Stevens holding the microphone while wearing her pink gloves. “Hello from the Capitol,” a banner reads. It highlights how Stevens voted for the coronavirus relief package that made its way through Congress last week.
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