Congressman Eric Swalwell, 40, who was caught in a 'honeytrap with Chinese spy Fang Fang', spent $20K in Democrat campaign funds at the hotel where his wife Brittan worked, FEC filings reveal
California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell spent more than $20,000 in campaign funds at the hotel where his wife worked and also splashed out on booze and limo services, FEC filings suggest.
The filings show Swalwell, 40, spent money at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay, California, where his wife Brittany was the director of sales between 2015 and November 2019, according to her LinkedIn profile, and dropped $7,000 at restaurants and steakhouses in D.C. during the second quarter of 2021.
The tally includes 13 meals at restaurants including Charlie Palmer Steak, O-Ku Sushi and STK Steakhouse in downtown New York City.
The records released on Thursday also show Swalwell spent $10,000 on 26 trips with limousine services and luxury car services.
Swalwell's campaign also spent $566 on 'Food and Beverage' on the alcohol delivery service Drizly and $1,151 on refreshments during seven trips to Capitol Hill Wine and Spirits, which is located near Congress.
FEC filings suggest Rep. Eric Swalwell's campaign spent more than $20,000 at the hotel where his wife Brittany was director of sales between 2015 and 2019
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay styles itself as a luxury spa resort, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Rooms start at $892 per night
Swalwell has been a popular target for Republicans, most recently for his role as a House manager during the second impeachment of President Trump
The filings also included $205 for 'Supporter Appreciations' at The Knot website where couples publish their wedding registries.
Swalwell was at one time seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party. He launched a presidential run in 2019, setting himself up as the candidate for a younger generation, but dropped out as his star was eclipsed by the likes of Beto O'Rourke and Pete Buttigieg.
Earlier this month it was reported that Swalwell, his wife and other members of Congress traveled to Qatar on a trip funded by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council.
Photographs of him posing shirtless while riding a camel went viral, attracting a backlash at a time when many Americans are unable to travel overseas because of pandemic restrictions.
The trip was paid for by the U.S.-Qatar Business Council, and included three other lawmakers.
Although the visit was approved by the House Ethics Committee, including personal time, the rules ban private groups from paying for entertainment during what are meant to be business trips.
The Swalwells met in September 2015 and married a year later in Oakland, California, according to their wedding notice in the New York Times
Visitors walk past the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay hotel in Half Moon Bay, California
Swalwell's congressional campaign also spent $1,151 on refreshments during seven trips to Capitol Hill Wine and Spirits, a liquor store on the House side of Congress
'USQBC did not pay for any camel rides during the trip to Qatar,' said the trade group in a statement, adding that it only covered costs associated with travel and official engagements.
The five-term Democrat has been a prime target of Republicans, attracting their ire for his role as House manager in President Trump's second impeachment.
They also demanded he be removed from his post on the House Intelligence Committee after it emerged last year that a suspected Chinese spy, named Fang Fang, worked as a fundraiser for him for years.
The spending also included more than $3000 at the Garre Vineyard & Winery, where Swalwell's campaign held a barbecue and bocce event.
His campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Axios reported the Rep. Eric Swalwell (left) had several interactions with suspected Chinese intelligence operative, Fang Fang (right)
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