Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) is facing backlash over allegations of a potential pay-to-play arrangement involving himself, his wife Sandra Whitehouse, and profitable legislative actions.
The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) highlighted a connection between Whitehouse and an environmental nonprofit controlled by his wife, Ocean Conservancy, which has received over $12 million in federal funding. Much of this funding came through legislation Whitehouse approved.
FACT has requested a Senate ethics investigation to determine if Whitehouse violated rules on conflicts of interest. Sandra Whitehouse, a marine ecologist, has received nearly $2.7 million from Ocean Conservancy since 2010. Critics argue that Whitehouse’s role in supporting ocean-related legislation creates a clear conflict. Ocean Conservancy denies any improper payments related to federal grants.
