RELEASE:
Audit of Secret Service Reimbursements to Presidential Campaigns to Begin
November 17, 2016 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, announced that the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) will commence a review of U.S. Secret Service reimbursements to Presidential campaigns for transportation, lodging and other travel-related expenses in connection with providing protection to presidential candidates. Congressman Thompson requested this audit last month and believes it is imperative that we know whether or not the entities owned by candidates are subjecting taxpayers to egregious charges if the candidate has a direct, financial interest since the American taxpayer – not the campaign – absorbs this cost.
Numerous press reports as recent as this week have detailed how a candidate – or president – could profit off Secret Service reimbursement.
Congressman Thompson released the following statement on the issue:
“Americans expect transparency in the election process from their elected leaders and candidates. I do not believe that American taxpayers expect people running for elected office to gain a profit. At a time when some have speculated that the president-elect has sought to commercialize running for office and the range of conflicts of interest that he may have are only beginning to be discussed, I believe that it is essential that the taxpayers know how much of their hard earned dollars go into a candidate’s pocket.”
11/17/16
