PORTAGE, MI – An ethics committee tasked with reviewing allegations against Congressman Bill Huizenga released its findings and said it found no evidence that he made clear personal use of campaign funds.
However, the committee found that Huizenga’s campaign had inadequate record-keeping practices that led to a violation of a clause in the Code of Official Conduct, according to the report released Wednesday, June 5.
The committee decided that Huizenga’s conduct did not merit a sanction, the review states.
In August 2019, the Office of Congressional Ethics began a review of allegations that Huizenga’s main campaign committee, Huizenga for Congress, reported campaign disbursements that may not be legitimate and verifiable campaign expenses.
The office examined the allegations, including whether some campaign-funded trips involved personal use, including family trips to Disney World and a campaign-funded dinner.
“We’re glad this five-year partisan attack has finally come to an end,” said Brian Patrick, communications director for Congressman Bill Huizenga.
Patrick previously told MLive that the allegations stem from a 2018 complaint filed by the Michigan Democratic Party.
“The report highlights our ongoing cooperation, takes no action against our office, and recommends better, updated guidance for all members, which we support,” Patrick said. “We would like to thank the committee for a thorough investigation and successful resolution of this matter.”
The report acknowledges Huizenga’s efforts to correct campaign practices, both before and after the investigation began.
“The committee acknowledges Representative Huizenga’s cooperation with its extensive review, which spanned a span of years and involved the collection of large amounts of information,” the office wrote in its report.
The report says Huizenga and his staff “generally acted within the bounds of the law” in spending official and campaign funds.
The committee used the report as an opportunity to advise all members to be careful to avoid even the appearance of inappropriate spending.
U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga speaks to people during an event Friday, May 3, at the Kalamazoo County Highway Commission. (Brad Devereaux | bdeverea@mlive.com)
Huizenga acknowledged some “gaps in record-keeping” during his tenure as an accountant, according to the report.
Huizenga and his staff often sent receipts or other records of their expenses to the former accountant, the report says. Huizenga is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the legitimacy of his campaign spending can be verified, the report says.
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