Declare war on it and send in the B52s.
US Sen Joanie Ernst told Fox News that Rep Omar’s “earmark” was presented to Congress as Omar’s do-good effort...... tax dollars for a phony Somali-invented “substance abuse clinic,”
Ernst then determined Omar perpetrated yet another funding fraud on the Congress
<><>the Somali organization was housed in a Minnesota restaurant
<><>run by three individuals who “share” the same residential Minnesota address.
Reality Check
A congressman who earmarks tax dollars for a phony cause faces severe legal and ethical penalties,
<><>including imprisonment,
<><>heavy fines,
<><>and expulsion from Congress.
This conduct falls under various federal laws related to fraud, embezzlement, false statements, and Criminal Penalties
The specific charges and penalties depend on the nature and scope of the fraud, but may include:
<><>Embezzlement/Misuse of Public Funds: Federal law prohibits the willful misapplication or embezzlement of funds that are the subject of a government grant or contract. A conviction can result in significant fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years, depending on the value of the funds.
<><>Fraud and False Statements: A congressman who makes materially false or fraudulent statements to government officials or during congressional proceedings can be charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, which carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.
<><>False Claims Act: The government can pursue civil action under the False Claims Act to recover up to three times the amount of damages sustained, plus civil penalties per false claim.
<><>Public Corruption: Abusing a position for personal gain is considered public corruption, and convicted officials may face lengthy prison sentences and Congressional Disciplinary Actions.
In addition to criminal prosecution by the DoJ, the House can take internal disciplinary actions:
Reprimand or Censure: A formal statement of disapproval requiring a majority vote.
Expulsion: The most severe punishment, requiring a two-thirds majority vote in the relevant chamber (House or Senate).
Examples of Past Action
Earmarks have been historically linked to corruption cases that resulted in jail time for members of Congress. For example, one former U.S. congressman was sentenced to 10 years in prison for orchestrating a scheme to defraud charitable donors and funneling proceeds for personal use and illegal campaign financing.
The legal and ethical consequences for such a breach of public trust are severe and can end a political career, result in substantial financial penalties, and lead to imprisonment.
Patriots, Call Congress
US Capitol switchboard
(202) 224-3121
Contact the Trump DOJ
Phone 800-514-0301
TDD 800-514-0383.
Call the Trump White House
Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
TTY/TTD Comments: 202-456-6213
Send a letter to the White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500