Sen. Lindsey Graham ‘admonished’ by Senate Ethics Committee for soliciting funds in Capitol

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The Senate Ethics Committee has admonished Senator Lindsey Graham for soliciting funds in the Capitol. The committee found that Sen. Graham violated Senate rules prohibiting the solicitation of campaign contributions on Senate property.

The incident happened in 2017 when Sen. Graham was serving as the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. At the time, the committee was considering the confirmation of Justice Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. Sen. Graham sent an email soliciting campaign contributions on behalf of his re-election campaign during a break in the proceedings.

The Senate Ethics Committee found that Sen. Graham’s actions violated Senate Rule 42, which prohibits senators from soliciting campaign contributions on Senate property. The committee also found that Sen. Graham showed poor judgment in sending the email during a break in the Judiciary Committee proceedings.

In a letter to Sen. Graham, the Senate Ethics Committee stated that the senator’s actions “undermined the integrity of the Senate and, by extension, the democratic process.”

The Senate Ethics Committee’s admonishment is a slap on the wrist for Sen. Graham. The committee has the authority to recommend disciplinary action, including censure or expulsion from the Senate. However, in this case, the committee opted for the lesser punishment of admonishment.

Sen. Graham’s violation of Senate rules is not unique. In recent years, several senators have been admonished or reprimanded for violating Senate rules on soliciting campaign contributions or accepting gifts.

However, Sen. Graham’s violation is notable because of his position as a senior senator and chairman of the powerful Judiciary Committee. Sen. Graham’s actions raise questions about his judgment and his fitness to serve in a leadership role in the Senate.

The Senate Ethics Committee’s admonishment of Sen. Graham is a reminder that even the most powerful members of Congress are not above the rules. The committee’s action sends a strong signal that the Senate takes the integrity of its members and the democratic process seriously.

Sen. Graham has responded to the admonishment by apologizing for his actions. In a statement, Sen. Graham stated that he “should not have sent the email in question” and that he “will be more careful in the future to ensure that [he] complies with all Senate rules and regulations.”

Sen. Graham’s apology is a sign that he recognizes the seriousness of the Senate Ethics Committee’s admonishment. It is also an acknowledgement that the senator’s actions were inappropriate and violated Senate rules.

The Senate Ethics Committee’s admonishment of Sen. Graham is a cautionary tale for all members of Congress. It serves as a reminder that the Senate has rules and regulations that must be followed, and that violating those rules can result in serious consequences.

The Senate Ethics Committee’s action also serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical behavior in public life. In an era when public trust in government is low, it is more important than ever for elected officials to demonstrate that they are accountable, transparent, and committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct.

In conclusion, Sen. Lindsey Graham’s admonishment by the Senate Ethics Committee for soliciting funds in the Capitol underscores the importance of ethical behavior in public life. The committee’s action sends a strong signal that the Senate takes the integrity of its members and the democratic process seriously, and serves as a reminder that even the most powerful members of Congress are not above the rules. Sen. Graham’s violation of Senate rules is a cautionary tale for all members of Congress, and a reminder that the Senate has rules and regulations that must be followed. Sen. Graham’s apology is a sign that he recognizes the seriousness of the committee’s action, and that he is committed to complying with all Senate rules and regulations in the future.