WASHINGTON, D.C. (TIP): Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) called today for a formal investigation into whether federal, state, and local funds were misused by Vice President JD Vance at an event in New York’s Third Congressional District. Though billed as an official government function on combatting waste, fraud, and abuse, Vance spent nearly his entire remarks making partisan political comments and promoting his new book. In response, Congressman Suozzi sent a letter to the Office of Special Counsel and the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York requesting transparency into whether taxpayer dollars were used to fund the vice president’s campaign appearance.
Read the full letter here.
Dear Acting Special Counsel Greer and U.S. Attorney Nocella:
I request a formal review and investigation into a recent event held by Vice President J.D. Vance within my congressional district that appears to constitute a misuse of taxpayer funds for partisan political purposes.
This administration has vowed to protect American taxpayers to ensure their hard-earned tax dollars are not being squandered on waste, fraud, and abuse. That is a noble goal. Americans must be able to trust the government to safeguard their tax dollars properly.
Unfortunately, Vice President J.D. Vance’s appearance in Bethpage, NY on June 17, 2026, risks undermining this trust. While the event was billed as an official government function regarding the administration’s efforts to prosecute waste, fraud, and abuse, the bulk of the Vice President’s remarks from start to finish focused on campaign-related rhetoric and the sale of his recently published book, Communion. The event was more akin to a campaign rally and was understood as such by eyewitnesses and the press. Taxpayer dollars ostensibly funded the Vice President’s travel to and from the event, his substantial security traveling to and during the event, the use of government equipment, and supporting government personnel. Based on my conversations with the producers of the event, an outside entertainment company was contracted at a cost of over $110,000 to supply the stage, seating, lighting, sound system, security barriers, and other infrastructure.
If taxpayer dollars were used to finance this political event, it would be a misuse of Congressionally appropriated funds and violate the law. Therefore, I request that the Office of Special Counsel and U.S. Attorney’s Office:
Conduct a full accounting of federal, state, and local taxpayer funds used for the Vice President’s campaign appearance in my district;
Determine whether official funds, personnel, or logistical support were improperly used to advance partisan political objectives;
Investigate whether the Vice President’s campaign conduct or campaign rally constitutes a violation of federal law or other applicable statutes or regulations; and
If the facts bear out, require the Vice President and the candidate to repay taxpayers for all federal, state, and local funds used for this campaign rally.
Transparency in this matter is crucial to reassure the public that the administration is not spending their tax dollars for pure political gain. I am prepared to provide any additional information or documentation that would assist your inquiry and look forward to the results of your investigation.
(Based on a Press Release issued by the Communications Director of Congressman Tom Suozzi)
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