Dem Sen. Whitehouse in hot water over wife’s nonprofit’s millions in federal grants
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island, is facing accusations of violating ethics rules by supporting legislation that financially benefits his wife’s environmental organization. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) has called for an investigation into Whitehouse’s actions, alleging potential conflicts of interest.
Whitehouse’s wife, Sandra Whitehouse, is the president of consulting firm Ocean Wonks LLC, which has received federal grants totaling over $14.2 million since 2008. These grants were awarded to Ocean Conservancy, where Sandra previously worked as a Senior Policy Adviser. The organization received significant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the EPA’s annual appropriations bill, both of which Whitehouse voted in favor of.
Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of FACT, highlighted the conflict of interest, pointing out that Ocean Conservancy has spent millions on federal lobbying efforts related to issues championed by Senator Whitehouse. The organization has also paid Whitehouse a total of $2,686,800 for her services since 2010.
In response to the allegations, Jeff Watters, Vice President of External Affairs at Ocean Conservancy, clarified that Sandra Whitehouse has not received compensation from the federal grants allocated to the organization. He emphasized Ocean Conservancy’s expertise in marine debris cleanup and its commitment to protecting the environment.
Whitehouse, along with Senate Select Committee on Ethics Chairman James Lankford and Vice Chairman Chris Coons, did not provide comments on the matter. The controversy surrounding Whitehouse’s alleged conflicts of interest raises questions about the ethical conduct of lawmakers and their connections to special interest groups.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Whitehouse and other officials will address these accusations and uphold the integrity of the Senate. The scrutiny surrounding Whitehouse’s ties to his wife’s environmental organization underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government.
