Representative Laura Richardson (D-CA)

Under Investigation by: The House Ethics Committee.

Under Investigation for: Rep. Richardson is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly misusing her congressional staff. The ethics committee is looking into whether her staff was forced to volunteer to work on Rep. Richardson’s 2010 re-election campaign. Previously, Rep. Richardson was investigated by the OCE and the House Ethics Committee for allegations she knowingly received preferential treatment from a bank lender while one of Rep. Richardson’s homes was in foreclosure. On August 6, 2009, the OCE referred the case to the House Ethics Committee recommending further review into the question of preferential treatment. On June 30, 2010, the House Ethics Committee dismissed that investigation.

Status: On November 3, 2011, the House Ethics Committee voted to establish an investigative subcommittee to determine whether Rep. Richardson broke any laws or House rules.