The House Standards of Official Conduct Committee issued guidance Tuesday afternoon for members filing earmarks with the House Appropriations Committee. The move came in response to staff and lawmaker confusion over what constituted a “financial interest” under the rule.
According to the Democratic ethics rules, members must certify that neither they nor their spouses have a financial interest in an earmark.
The guidance document defines “financial interest” as an earmark that would have “a direct and foreseeable” impact on the monetary interests of a member or his or her spouse, such as financial assets, liabilities or investments in stocks bonds, mutual funds or real estates. The report adds that “a financial interest may derive from a salary, indebtedness, job offer or similar interest.”
Remote or speculative interests are not included in the scope of the definition.
Generally, contributions to a campaign or a leadership political action committee are not “financial interests”; however, “a political contribution tied to an official action may raise other considerations,” the report said.
The guidance document advises members confused about this provision to call the ethics committee as the “financial interest in an earmark will most frequently depend on the specific facts and circumstances regarding both the proposed provision” and the financial situation of that member and his or her spouse.
