Senator Sheldon Whitehouse Accused of Ethics Violations Involving Wife’s Environmental Organization

Ethics Watchdog Alleges Conflict of Interest Related to Federal Funding

Introduction

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) is facing allegations of violating Senate ethics rules by backing laws that financially benefited an environmental organization where his wife holds a leadership position. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), an ethics watchdog group, has filed a complaint with the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, requesting an investigation into Whitehouse’s potential conflict of interest.

Allegations of Conflict of Interest

According to FACT, Whitehouse voted for key pieces of legislation that provided funding for grants to the environmental non-profit group Ocean Conservancy, where his wife, Sandra Whitehouse, serves as president of a consulting firm and receives compensation.

Specifically, Whitehouse supported the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the EPA’s annual appropriations bill, which allocated significant funds to Ocean Conservancy for marine debris cleanup. FACT alleges that these grants represent a conflict of interest given Whitehouse’s long-standing advocacy for environmental protection and his wife’s role within the organization.

History of Ocean Conservancy Funding and Lobbying

Ocean Conservancy has received over $14.2 million in federal grants since 2008. The organization has also spent millions on federal lobbying expenses over the years, focusing on issues related to oceans, climate change, and environmental cleanup. Additionally, Whitehouse’s wife has received over $2.6 million from Ocean Conservancy since 2010, either directly or through her firm.

Ocean Conservancy’s Response

Despite the allegations, Ocean Conservancy maintains that Dr. Sandra Whitehouse has not received compensation from the federal grants allocated to the organization. They also emphasize their long history of marine debris cleanup initiatives and the competitive selection process they underwent to receive the funding.

Senate Ethics Committee Investigation Requested

FACT is urging the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to investigate Whitehouse’s conduct to determine whether he violated the Senate’s ethics rules on conflicts of interest. The committee has not yet announced whether it will open an investigation.

Statements from Interested Parties

Whitehouse, Lankford, and Coons have not yet provided public comments on the allegations or the ethics complaint.

Conclusion

The allegations against Senator Whitehouse highlight the complex ethical considerations involved when elected officials have financial ties to organizations that may benefit from their legislative actions. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics will need to carefully review the evidence and determine whether Whitehouse’s conduct constitutes a violation of the Senate’s ethics rules. The outcome of this investigation will have implications for the broader issue of potential conflicts of interest in the legislative process.