Rep. Katie Porter accused of misusing taxpayer funds

By RIA ROEBUCK THE CENTER SQUARE CONTRIBUTOR

(The Center Square) - The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) is accusing U.S. Rep. Katie Porter, a leading contender for retiring Sen. Diane Feinstein’s senate seat, of violating congressional ethics rules.

The group alleges that Rep. Porter, DIrvine, ran political ads using taxpayer funds. The messaging and imagery of the ads were essentially identical to the ads from her campaign. That could violate House ethics rules that expressly forbid Members from using taxpayers funding for campaigns or political purposes.

As a result of the alleged infraction, FACT sent a letter of request to the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) calling for an immediate investigation.

“..we urge the Board to immediately investigate whether Representative Porter used official resources for campaign purposes in violation of federal law and the House ethics rules,” the FACT letter stated.

‘Federal law states that “appropriations shall be applied only to the objects for which the appropriations were made . . . .” The House ethics rules reinforce this law and prohibit Members from using taxpayer funded resources for campaign or political purposes. ...

Any communication paid for by taxpayer funds “may only be used for official Congressional business” and cannot be used for any political purpose,”’ the letter pointed out.

The House of Representatives Communications Standards Manual also set out clear guidelines specifying examples of communications that are not allowed in official communications by representatives.

cats, Saturday’s show will feature human acrobats, mimes and contortionists. And Mr. Popovich will perform juggling feats. “I bring the spirit of physical comedy.

“There’s human talent and the pets’ talent,” Mr. Popovich said. “The audience has to decide by applause how’s more talented. “Always, the pets have much more applause than the humans.” email: dmason@newspress.com

Rep. Porter’s congressional office and campaign organization used the services of the same vendor, Wavelength Strategy in both cases, producing “identical messaging,” of a political nature.

The letter, signed by the Executive Director of FACT, Kendra Arnold emphasized the importance of protecting taxpayers money from misuse. “The facts of this case demonstrate Rep. Porter used taxpayer funds to pay for political ads. The laws at issue in this case are extremely important because not only do they protect taxpayer funds from abuse, but they address the public perception that incumbents are simply using their office to run for reelection.”

From June to August 2022, Rep. Porter’s congressional office paid over $130,500 to Wavelength Strategy until rules prevented her from continuing to do so, then from February 2022 to November 2022, Rep. Porter’s campaign paid over $1.6 million to Wavelength Strategy to promote the same messaging. Rep. Porter’s communications director Jordan Wong denied any impropriety in a statement to the Free Beacon, which first reported the potential ethical lapse. Mr. Wong “not(ed) that all public spending happened outside the ‘60-day black-out periods’ before the election. Mr. Wong also insisted that Rep. Porter’s publicly funded materials were reviewed and approved by the bipartisan Communications Standards Commission, and that House rules permit lawmakers to use taxpayer money to update their constituents on legislative activities.” rebounding with 193 (7.7 per game) and tallied five double-doubles on the season.

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) to which FACT made its appeal is responsible for ensuring each House representative obeys ethical rules accordingly. OCE reviews information accordingly and refers findings of fact to the House Committee on Ethics and where necessary recommends House discipline of Members and staff. In recent times however, the OCE has taken up fewer, but more serious cases. The last time a member was expelled was in 2002.

“Syd has been a leader in so many ways that don’t show on the stat sheet,” noted Moore. “She does so many little things keeping our team on track and leading in so many ways off the court in how we do things and how we prepare.

“On the court, she has found another level in her relentless pursuit of the boards. In this championship-clinching weekend, in which we needed two wins, she had 35 rebounds in the two games. She has led the way for us in a category that was absolutely essential in us winning the regular season, and that was our rebounding margin.

“We finished first in the GSAC in rebounding margin (+13.6) and third in the NAIA. She has been such a leader in this area that has been very important to our success.

“Her experience in so many big moments has come through for us as well. She plays with a high IQ, knows what we do, when we do it, and how we do things. I am very proud of the year she has had and the leadership she has shown.”

Saenz has been named to the All-GSAC team for the second year in a row.

“Laila continues to be an absolute sharpshooter from the perimeter,” said Moore. “Watching her shoot is a thing of beauty for those who know the game of basketball. Having been a shooter myself, I wish my shot was as pure as hers.

“She led the league in 3-point percentage at over 41%. Not only did she shoot a high percentage in general, but she also hit a number of big, important, timely shots for us. That clutch play and competitiveness when we have needed it the most has been a huge asset for us on the perimeter.” email: sports@newspress.com

The Warriors begin play in the GSAC Tournament on Friday with a semifinal match-up against the winner between Hope International and The Master’s. The tournament will be held at Menlo in Atherton.

Ron Smith is the sports information director at Westmont College.

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