The Senate Ethics Committee has issued a public rebuke to Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina for violating ethics rules by requesting campaign donations during a media appearance inside the Capitol.
The Republican senator had reportedly solicited funds on five different occasions during an interview in his office property within the Capitol, which is against Senate regulations.
In its public notice, the bipartisan committee criticized Graham's actions and stated that it undermines "the integrity and credibility of the Senate as a whole."
While campaigning for Herschel Walker's candidacy, Graham had allegedly asked viewers to contribute to his campaign fund through his website or by sending checks directly to his Washington office. Such actions are strictly prohibited under federal law.
Graham's repeated violations have led many lawmakers to call into question the ability of Congress to police its own members' behavior effectively. The senator has yet to comment on this latest development publicly.
This incident also raises questions about how politicians should balance their fundraising efforts with their responsibilities as elected officials. The Ethics Committee's warning sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated and serves as a reminder that politicians must adhere to strict ethical standards while serving in public office.
It remains unclear what consequences Senator Graham may face following this reprimand from the Ethics Committee. However, this incident serves as another example of how even high-ranking officials are held accountable for their actions when they violate ethical guidelines established by Congress.