Rep. Eric Swalwell’s congressional campaign spent thousands of dollars on alcohol and limousine services, newly released campaign expenditures show.
The Swalwell for Congress committee spent $4,051.32 at AA Limo Service LLC between April 6 and May 27 and $5,058.32 at two wineries and one brewery, according to financial disclosures filed with the Federal Election Commission.
The campaign also spent $21,160.75 at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, where Swalwell’s wife, Brittany Watts, worked as director of sales.
It is unclear whether Watts is still employed at the resort. A representative for the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay did not immediately respond to the Washington Examiner’s request for comment.
Swalwell, a 2020 presidential election dropout, is no stranger to controversy.
The Democratic congressman made headlines in recent weeks after a special interest group paid for a trip to Qatar with other members of Congress, during which he and his wife were photographed riding camels.
The trip was funded by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council, in which the trade group spent more than $84,000 and involved at least three other lawmakers, data from LegiStorm show.
Although the congressmen got approval from the House Ethics Committee for the trip, which included time for meetings and “personal time,” House rules prohibit private groups from funding entertainment activities during such excursions. Family members are allowed to join these trips.
“USQBC did not pay for any camel rides during the trip to Qatar. As indicated in its filings required to obtain approval from the House Committee on Ethics, USQBC only covered costs directly associated with travel and the working agenda of the trip,” the trade group said in a statement given to the Washington Examiner.
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Republicans previously called for Swalwell to be stripped of his position on the House Intelligence Committee after it was revealed he once had a relationship with suspected Chinese spy Fang Fang.
Original Location: Eric Swalwell’s campaign spent thousands on alcohol and limos, records show
