WASHINGTON – An independent ethics body says there is "substantial reason to believe” that Republican Rep. Steven Palazzo of Mississippi abused his office by misspending campaign funds, doing favors for his brother and enlisting staff for political and personal errands.
The allegations against the Republican congressman were included in a 47-page report by the Office of Congressional Ethics that was made public Monday.
The House Committee on Ethics, which reviews reports from the OCE and decides whether to take action against lawmakers, is reviewing the matter.
A Palazzo spokeswoman, Colleen Kennedy, said the congressman “welcomes the opportunity to work through this process" and said the investigation stemmed from “false allegations made