A government watchdog group today filed complaints with the U.S. House and U.S. Senate ethics committees against U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-Tenn., and other lawmakers who reside or have resided at the C Street House in Washington, D.C.
In a new release, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington officials said their complaint alleges Rep. Wamp, a Chattanoogan now running for governor, and other C Street residents paid below market rent in violation of congressional gift rules.
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington Executive Director Melanie Sloan said “at a time when so many Americans are losing their housing it is surprising to discover that some members of Congress are lucky enough to have a landlord that charges below market rent for fairly luxurious accommodations and offers housekeeping and meal service to boot.”
The ethics group says the lawmakers received “improper gifts” from C Street Center Inc., the entity that runs the house and which is affiliated with what the ethics group says is the “shadowy” Fellowship organization.
The Fellowship, which has come under fire in recent months, runs the National Prayer Breakfast.
Others listed include U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler, D-N.C., U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa.; U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich.; U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan.; U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla.; U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., and U.S. Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev.