Squad Scandal: Rashida Tlaib reportedly begged staffers for campaign funds in an attempt to cover her personal expenses
Freshman Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib reportedly sent text and emails begging her staffers for campaign funds in an attempt to cover her personal expenses, according to reports. The revelation led to the House Ethics Committee to announce that it is extending investigations into Tlaib, which began in August. The committee, on Thursday, said that there is "substantial reason to believe" that the Michigan representative violated campaign finance laws.
Tlaib, in the messages revealed by the committee, asked her senior staffers, including future chief of staff Ryan Anderson for money, saying "I'm sinking." Reports state that she cited needing money for "car maintenance, child care, other necessities" and "to get out of debt."
The Congresswoman, according to the messages, was financially struggling while she was campaigning for her current position in April 2017. Tlaib reportedly considered renting out her home and going back to work a second job with a previous employer, according to the Daily Mail. Her staff, including Steve Tobocman and Anthony Gooddeeris, however, urged her not to do this, stating that the move would limit her campaigning time.
Tlaib, in a mail dated April 4, wrote: "I am just not going to make it through the campaign without a stipend. With the loss of a second income to lean back on, I am requesting $2,000 per two weeks but not exceeding $12,000. The cost of living stipend is going towards much-needed expenses due to campaigning that includes car maintenance, childcare and other necessities. Please let me know if I can proceed."
The campaign, after discussing multiple finance options, decided on the idea of paying her a stipend of $4,000 per month, which they believed was in line with the law. The team, after deliberating on the potential bad press after the revelation of their decision, decided to go ahead with this.
Tlaib was reportedly paid a monthly stipend between May and December 2018, mostly within the $4,000 limit. However, it was revealed in August this year that she was given three checks totaling $8,000. The increased amount was paid after she was not paid at all the previous month. In December, it was revealed that as her campaign was concluding, she was given a check for $15,000. The bottom of the check said: "11/16 - 12/31 adjustment."
Tlaib's legal team, in a written response, stated that their client did not do anything wrong by claiming the salary. "In short, the facts as presented in the findings are entirely consistent with compliance with the law and House rules," a statement from them said.