Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Cori Bush is under investigation after hiring husband as security Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., acknowledged on Tuesda...

 

Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Cori Bush is under investigation after hiring husband as security

Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., acknowledged on Tuesday that the Department of Justice is conducting an investigation into her campaign's expenditures on security services.

In a statement delivered on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, Bush emphasized the persistent threats to her safety and life that she has faced since before assuming office. She clarified that, as an ordinary member of Congress, she does not receive personal protection from the House and has instead utilized campaign funds to engage security services.

Bush asserted her full cooperation with the investigation while mentioning that her current spouse is part of her security detail, and she maintains that he offers services either at or below market rates. The Justice Department declined to provide any comments regarding the matter.

The St. Louis Democrat's remarks shed light on her use of campaign funds for security measures amid ongoing concerns about her safety.

Punchbowl News broke the news of the investigation on Tuesday morning, following an announcement by the U.S. House Clerk the previous day regarding the Justice Department's subpoena to the Sergeant at Arms for documents. The statement made on the House floor did not specify the documents' contents or the member of Congress involved.

According to Punchbowl's sources, the investigation pertains to Rep. Cori Bush's utilization of her Member Representation Allowance (MRA), which covers office-related expenses for congressional members. The MRA is funded by taxpayer dollars through the Legislative Branch appropriations bill, distinct from campaign funds, which stem from political supporters' contributions to individual candidates.

 Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Bush, who assumed office in 2021 representing Missouri's 1st Congressional District, which encompasses St. Louis and a significant portion of northern St. Louis County, stated her full cooperation with the Justice Department's inquiry. She also mentioned ongoing reviews of the matter by the Federal Election Commission and the U.S. House Committee on Ethics.

In her statement on Tuesday, Bush acknowledged that she enlisted her husband as part of her security team, citing his extensive experience in the field and his ability to provide services at or below fair market rates.

An NBC News analysis of Bush's campaign expenditures revealed that she has allocated $756,748.42 toward security measures since her initial congressional campaign in the 2018 cycle.

She criticized "right-wing" adversaries for leveling "unfounded accusations" against her and highlighted the Office of Congressional Ethics' investigation, which concluded with a unanimous dismissal of the claims. However, the bipartisan House Ethics Committee has yet to close the case.

Bush expressed no illusions regarding the ceaseless politicization and attacks by right-wing entities, reaffirming her commitment to advancing the interests of her constituents in St. Louis and striving for legislative change.

During Monday's House session, the clerk, Susan Cole, publicly notified lawmakers of the subpoena request received by the House Sergeant at Arms from the U.S. Department of Justice. Though few details were disclosed, House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland's statement, relayed by Cole, affirmed the decision to comply with the subpoena in alignment with the House's rights and privileges.