In a recent development, U.S. Representatives Ronny Jackson and Wesley Hunt, both from Texas, are under investigation for allegedly using campaign funds for private club memberships, potentially violating campaign finance rules. An investigation conducted by Congressional investigators revealed that Jackson spent nearly $12,000 since 2020 on membership at the prestigious Amarillo Club, while Hunt spent over $74,000 between April 2022 and January 2024 at the Post Oak Hotel, including membership fees at its exclusive Oak Room club.

According to federal campaign finance rules, campaign funds can be used for specific events at private clubs but not typically for membership or unlimited access. The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) approved the reports in March and subsequently referred them to the House Ethics Committee for further investigation. The committee, consisting of five Republican and five Democratic members, has the authority to recommend sanctions to be voted on by the entire chamber. U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, is the only Texan serving on the committee.

The House Ethics Committee announced separate investigations into Jackson and Hunt in May with limited details regarding the allegations. However, on Monday, the committee released the OCE reports as part of a procedural requirement to extend their investigations. Jackson, in his written response to the OCE investigation, denied any violation of ethics rules. Hunt provided documents related to his expenses at the Oak Room club, but those documents were heavily redacted. His lawyers maintained his innocence and stated that he did nothing wrong.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Jackson has been investigated for his use of campaign funds on the Amarillo Club. A similar investigation was conducted in 2022, but the Ethics Committee never released its findings. Jackson's lawyers argued in an email to the Ethics Committee that the club membership included event space for fundraising, which was more cost-effective than renting meeting space on an individual basis. They also claimed that Jackson and his wife never personally benefited from the club membership.

The OCE reports revealed that the Amarillo Club declined to provide information that could confirm Jackson's strictly campaign-related use of the club. The Amarillo Club, known for its fine dining, wine tastings, and scenic views of West Texas, also offers reciprocity with other exclusive clubs, including the Capitol Hill Club in Washington.

As for Hunt, his expenses included membership fees and other expenses at the Post Oak Hotel, home to the exclusive Oak Room club. His campaign finance disclosures showed expenses for membership and food/beverages at the club. Hunt's lawyers cited a past Federal Election Commission opinion, stating that social club dues could be permissible if they were strictly for campaign-related activities.

The investigations into Jackson, Hunt, and other lawmakers are part of the House Ethics Committee's efforts to ensure accountability and adherence to campaign finance rules. Aside from these investigations, both Jackson and Hunt have faced scrutiny in the past. Jackson faced an investigation by the Defense Department's inspector general over allegations of improper conduct as White House physician, while Hunt has garnered attention for his membership at the Oak Room, frequented by prominent Houston celebrities.

It remains to be seen how these investigations will unfold and whether any sanctions or repercussions will be recommended by the House Ethics Committee. Meanwhile, the committee will continue its inquiries into the alleged violations of campaign finance rules, ensuring transparency and accountability within the political sphere.