An ethics watchdog group has filed a complaint regarding Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, claiming he inappropriately used campaign funds during his confirmation process.
Price's congressional campaign committee made a $40,000 payment to a Republican political action committee. The PAC published videos and research in support of Price's confirmation.
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The Campaign Legal Center and Democracy 21 say that payment violates campaign finance laws prohibiting the use of campaign funds for personal use. The complaint calls for the Federal Election Commission to investigate.
The payment to the PAC, America Rising, was recorded in one of Price's filings with the Federal Election Commission. His filings also show Price used his campaign fund to pay for flights, consultations and events through March.
The watchdog groups claim Price's payment was to help secure his confirmation and wasn't used for any congressional duties.
A lawyer and specialist in ethics and campaign law told The Wall Street Journal that Price's payment would be acceptable if he were trying to defend his congressional record or push back against any allegations against him for his actions in office.
Price's office and America Rising didn't respond to requests for comment from The Wall Street Journal.
