ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Department of Justice is investigating Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), according to CBS News.
According to two sources familiar with the matter who talked with CBS, the House Sergeant at Arms received a Justice Department subpoena for records relating to Bush's potential misuse of money meant for personal security.
DOJ declined to comment.
Punchbowl News reporter Jake Sherman was first to report on the investigation, into misuse of tax dollars and federal funds by Bush, using it to pay for security guards, with one of those guards being Bush's husband.
The investigation is in regards to Bush's Member Representation Allowance, an account that members of Congress use to pay for office expenses. The funding for an MRA comes from taxpayer dollars and is approved annually in the Legislative Branch appropriations bill.
Bush's office released a statement regarding the investigation, saying she will cooperate with it.
"In recent months, right-wing organizations have lodged baseless complaints against me, peddling notions that I have misused campaign funds to pay for personal security services. That is simply not true. I have complied with all applicable laws and House rules-and will continue to prioritize the rules that govern us as federal elected officials," Bush said in a statement. "Any reporting that I have used federal funds for personal security is simply false."
Bush wrote in her statement while her husband is part of her security team, she did not tax dollars to pay him or other security guards and the money going to them is from campaign funds, which is funded by donors.
"I retained my husband as part of my security team to provide security services because he has had extensive experience in this area, and is able to provide the necessary services at or below a fair market rate." said Bush.
"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. I have not used any federal tax dollars for personal security services."
The investigations come in a crucial time for Bush as she seeks to win re-election in November 2024. St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell is running against Bush for her Congress seat, representing Missouri’s First Congressional District, which represents St. Louis City.
Bell released a statement regarding the investigation, wishing Bush to be transparent with the community regarding the investigation.
"I entered this race because I believe the people of this district deserve a representative they can trust who will show up and get results for them. I feel more strongly about that than ever." said Bell in a statement.