Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), who is currently running for Senate in her home state in the race to take over the seat currently occupied by Democratic incumbent Dianne Feinstein, who is retiring, took notice in recent days of policy moves in Florida that could conceal travel undertaken by Ron DeSantis, the second-term Republican governor there.
“This anti-democratic move is the exact opposite of what Americans want from their government,” Porter said Thursday. “Earning the people’s trust requires more transparency, not less. I have a bill that would tell the public when, where, and why Congressmembers spend taxpayer dollars on travel.” She and Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) rolled out a proposed bill last year that would evidently require more specific information to be made available about the use by members of Congress of taxpayer funds. She has also pursued other transparency in the personal finances of representatives in Congress, including through what if implemented would be restrictions on those holding elected office participating in stock trades.
Conflicts of interest, or at least possible conflicts, are a relatively consistent concern that have also recently emerged — well, surfaced again — around U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, who has been the subject of multiple revealing reports. As details have exposed, Thomas has actually benefited from a lengthy relationship with associate Harlan Crow, a billionaire and GOP megadonor. Crow has provided Thomas and his wife, Ginni, with access to pricey travel through means like a private jet and fancy yacht, and despite what have evidently been longstanding requirements for the disclosure of gifts made to judges like Thomas of perks like free travel, it mostly went undisclosed until recently. Crow also made multiple property purchases with Thomas on the other end, including an acquisition of a longtime family residence where the judge’s mother still lives.
Sure, Crow claimed that he didn’t bring up relevant court cases with Thomas during their joint excursions around the world, but is there really a way to be sure? There could be documentation somewhere out there showing otherwise. As for DeSantis, he has, in fact, been making a lot of trips out of state, helping foster speculation he is angling to run for the GOP presidential nomination for 2024, although he’s yet to declare a campaign — and it seems he’s somewhat sinking in relevant polls rather than anything like taking off.
This anti-democratic move is the exact opposite of what Americans want from their government. Earning the people's trust requires more transparency, not less.
I have a bill that would tell the public when, where, and why Congressmembers spend taxpayer dollars on travel. https://t.co/BLW56LaptB
— Rep. Katie Porter (@RepKatiePorter) April 20, 2023
