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Justice Department issues subpoena over a House Democrat’s use of federal funds for security

The House clerk publicly informed members of the request for records Monday, but the lawmaker’s identity wasn’t revealed.

A general view of the Capitol building at sunset.
The U.S. Capitol at sunset.Graeme Sloan / Sipa USA via AP file

WASHINGTON — A subpoena recently issued to the House sergeant at arms pertains to a Democratic lawmaker and his or her use of federal funds for a security vendor, two sources familiar with the matter said Monday.

The identity of the lawmaker was not immediately known.

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The clerk publicly informed lawmakers of the subpoena request when the House opened its session Monday, but few details were provided.

“This is to notify you formally pursuant to rule 8 of the rules of the House of Representatives that the office of the sergeant at arms for the House of Representatives has been served with a grand jury subpoena for documents issued by the U.S. Department of Justice,” House Reading Clerk Susan Cole said, reading a notification from House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland.

politics political security
Then-acting House Sergeant at Arms William McFarland testifies in the Longworth Building in April.Tom Williams / CQ Roll Call via AP file

 

“After consulting with the House General Counsel I have determined that compliance with the subpoena is consistent with the rights and privileges of the House,” the statement, read by Cole, continued.

Punchbowl News first reported that the subpoena focused on a Democratic member.

Representatives of both Republican and Democratic leaders in the House declined to comment.

 

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