James Milano

Milano brothers go deep in the same inning. This was definitely a special moment in my life for sure. @NEScorps

Democrat Senator funneled $14 million of taxpayer dollars into his wife's NGO A prominent Senate ethics watchdog has accused Rhode Island Democrat Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of abusing his office to funnel millions in federal grants to an environmental nonprofit where his wife has earned nearly $2.7 million in pay. The allegations, detailed in a formal complaint filed in February, are raising serious questions about conflicts of interest and the misuse of taxpayer dollars by a lawmaker who has long positioned himself as a champion against corruption. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), a nonpartisan group dedicated to upholding government ethics, submitted the complaint to the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. It centers on Whitehouse's advocacy for ocean conservation legislation that reportedly directed at least $6.9 million in grants to the Ocean Conservancy, the Washington, D.C.-based group where his wife, Sandra Whitehouse, serves as a senior advisor and consultant. The 8 years before she worked with the NGO - it received about $500,000 total in grants. 2000–2006: $0 (no significant federal awards recorded in available IRS Form 990s or USASpending.gov data).2007: $213,163.2008: $306,838. Critics argue this represents a clear violation of Senate rules which ban members from using their influence to financially benefit their immediate family members. Sandra Whitehouse, a marine ecologist, has been affiliated with the Ocean Conservancy since at least 2009. During her tenure, the organization has received more than $14.2 million in total federal funding, with a significant portion tied to bills that were pushed by her husband. Facts: Over $14.2 million in government funding has been awarded since Sandra Whitehouse joined the organization in 2009, including $6.9 million specifically from legislation backed by Sen. Whitehouse, such as provisions in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Approximately $2.686 million paid to her directly or through her consulting firm, Ocean Wonks LLC, by the Ocean Conservancy from fiscal year 2010 through 2023, according to the group's IRS tax filings. Whitehouse voted for and helped advance bills in 2021 and 2022 that allocated the $6.9 million, including a $5.2 million grant under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for ocean research programs. FACT: Whitehouse failed to recuse himself from votes that could benefit his wife, breaching Senate Rules on conflicts of interest, the complaint calls for an immediate investigation by the Ethics Committee.