U.S. Capitol Police are now involved in the grand jury investigation involving Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), CNN reported.
Officers received a subpoena looking for materials that relate to direct threats towards the elected official. They are also seeking communications from her office, campaign, or her husband with Capitol Police. This all surrounds a federal grand jury in Washington, D.C., asking questions about Bush’s security and the alleged misuse of campaign funds.
The congresswoman, who represents the St. Louis district, said she hired her husband as part of her security team and can prove his services are at or below market rate. “Since before I was sworn into office, I have endured relentless threats to my physical safety and life,” Bush said. “As a rank-and-file member of Congress, I am not entitled to personal protection by the House and instead have used campaign funds as permissible to retain security services.”
Ethics rules for members of the House of Representatives grant permission for family members to be paid from campaign funds for “bona fide services” as long as payments don’t go over “fair market value.” Bush said no evidence of wrongdoing has been presented.
Other witnesses have been sought out by federal investigators – some involved in the personal security business. In a statement, Bush reiterated her full cooperation with the investigation. “First and foremost, I hold myself, my campaign, and my position to the highest levels of integrity,” Bush said.
“I also believe in transparency which is why I can confirm that the Department of Justice is reviewing my campaign’s spending on security services. We are fully cooperating in this investigation, and I would like to take this opportunity to outline the facts and the truth.”
On top of an ongoing investigation, Bush is facing more scrutiny after being outraised by her primary opponent, attorney Wesley Bell. According to Fox News, which described Bush as a “defund the police advocate,” Bell raised $492,149 in donations in comparison to $487,000 from the Bush campaign in the 2023 third quarter.
The fellow Democrat looking to unseat Bush accused her of not showing up for her district in times of
need. “Missouri’s 1st District deserves a representative who shows up, does the work and gets things done,” Bell said. “I’m honored by our fast-growing list of endorsements from community members and local officials, and energized by the incredible momentum of support driving our campaign.”RELATED CONTENT: Cori Bush Investigated By Department of Justice For Hiring Husband As Part of Security Team