CBC Members Call Foul on Members Sleeping in Their Capitol Hill Offices

More than two dozen members of the Congressional Black Caucus are calling for an ethics investigation into the widespread practice of lawmakers sleeping in their offices, arguing it's an abuse of taxpayer funds. In a letter obtained by Politico to Ethics Committee Chairwoman Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Ranking Member Ted Deutch (D-FL), they ask for a probe into the “legality and propriety” of such conduct by members of Congress. “There’s something unsanitary about bringing people to your office who are talking about public policy where you spent the night, and that’s unhealthy, unsanitary -- and some people would say it’s almost nasty,” said Ranking Homeland Security Committee member Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS). “Members who sleep overnight in their offices receive free lodging, free cable, free security, free cleaning services, and utilize other utilities free of charge in direct violation of the ethics rules which prohibit official resources from being used for personal purposes,” the December 5th letter reads. They asked for a response by January 5th but never heard back. Politico reports that among the 30 CBC signatories are CBC Chairman Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Assistant Democratic Leader Jim Clyburn (D-SC), and Ranking House Oversight Committee member Congressman Elijah Cummings (D-MD). More here.