GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz may have violated House rules by shelling out $184,000 in taxpayer funds to rent

[Judi Lynn]

GOP Rep. Matt Gaetz may have violated House rules by shelling out $184,000 in taxpayer funds to rent office space from a longtime friend and donor
Sonam Sheth Apr 17, 2020, 10:19 AM

Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz has spent almost $200,000 in taxpayer funds to rent office space from a longtime friend and campaign donor, Politico reported on Friday.

The outlet reported that Gaetz and Collier Merrill, a Pensacola-based real estate developer, have known each other for decades and that Merrill is also an adviser and legal client to Gaetz.

Gaetz's agreement with Merrill appears to be against House rules.

The guidelines state that leases for district offices must be "at fair market value as the result of a bona fide, arms-length, marketplace transaction. The Lessor and Lessee certify that the parties are not relatives nor have had, or continue to have, a professional or legal relationship (except as a landlord and tenant)."

More:
https://www.businessinsider.com/matt-gaetz-paid-taxpayer-funds-to-friend-donor-politico-2020-4

[mr_lebowski]

1. Fortunately for Gaetz, the IOKIYAR Principle will apply, as per always ... nt

[Make7]

2. This is the only thing that enters my mind when I hear the name Matt Gaetz:

Link to tweet