Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D. Texas) declared in February that the government “is not a business that gives money to taxpayers.” But when it comes to the simple extravagance of her own life, Firebrand lawmakers are happy to leave the bill to the public.
That includes a car funded by her taxpayer. According to House spending records reviewed by Washington Free Beacon, Crockett has charged $999.96 a month since January 2023, assuming a “vehicle lease” payment. It is unknown that the make and model of Crockett’s publicly funded whip are unclear. The Low Maker was not required to disclose that information, and her office did not reply to requests for comment — but it would be enough to pay for the Tesla Model S, Elon Musk’s gorgeous sports sedan.
Crockett acquired a taxpayer-funded vehicle through the lesser-known Fringe benefits. In 2024, around 42 lawmakers joined the program in 2024, including 15 Republican participants representing a geographically vast district of about 18,100 square miles. Republican participants say leasing economy cars primarily from American manufacturers, with some offices free beacons, is a much more cost-effective way for lawmakers to go through large districts rather than through large districts, as opposed to paying airfares and using personal vehicles in IRS re-exempt retiring agreements.
But the same cannot be said for many of the 27 Democrats in the program. Some of them used taxpayer funds to lease vehicles from luxury brands such as Tesla, Lexus and Volvo. And 15 Democrats, including Crockett, represent dense urban areas less than 500 square miles.
For example, the Crockett district in Dallas, Texas, totals just 335 square miles. The Firebrand Democrat could have crossed the district in 2024 using public transport or her personal vehicle, but instead she charged taxpayers $11,996 for payment of a “vehicle lease” to credit union services. Crockett also had no need to worry about paying for living in Washington, D.C. Thanks to another lesser known fringe benefits available to members of the home. Crockett will charge taxpayers $20,301 in 2024 to cover her “accommodation” costs and $2,670 for Congress to pay $2,670 for meals during the session, House payment records show.
Crockett’s reliance on taxpayers to fund her daily living expenses could potentially come back to bite her as a Democrat to make her a leading figure in the party. In February, Crockett scoffed at the mask proposal to redistribute some of Dodge’s savings to American taxpayers, saying, “We’re not a business that puts money on, and honestly, I don’t know what $5,000 will do for you.”
Details of the make and model of the vehicle leased by members of the home in 2024 are blurry at best, with most participating members’ offices not responding to requests for comment on free beacon requests. Caitlin Sutherland, executive director of Ethics Watchdog Americans for Public Trust, said it was “anxious” that Congress members chose not to disclose details of public funding leases.
“Being not approaching members on a taxpayer-funded Lexus raises ethical issues, especially in times of increased accountability for government spending,” Sutherland told the free Beacon. “Taxpayers have the right to know which types of vehicles are subsidizing to ensure that the program is not abused.”
In fact, the vehicle leasing program has been abused in the past by Democrats. In 2010, former Congressman John Conniers (D. Michigan) opened fire when he revealed that his son was driving a 2010 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. He later admitted to fraudulent conduct in the matter and refunded the Treasury $5,682.
Crockett’s small urban district is vast compared to some of the other Democrats who charged taxpayers for their gorgeous rides in 2024.
For example, Rep. Lamonica Mciver (D., N.J.) will charge taxpayers $11,996 to pay Lexus Financial Services in 2024. The Mciver’s district is one of the smallest districts in the country, at just 77.5 square miles. Her office did not reply to requests for comment.
David Scott (D., Ga.) and Jonathan Jackson (D., Ill.) used taxpayer funds to pay vehicle leases to Lexus Financial Services in 2024. Neither returned a request for comment.
Rep. Andre Carson (D., Ind.) secured Tesla with taxpayer funds, records show. He charged taxpayers $10,821 in 2024 in 2024 and paid Tesla Finance LLC in 2024. Carson’s office did not reply to requests for comment.
One lawmaker, representing a largely walkable district with ample public transport options, charged taxpayers for a set of expensive wheels. Speaker Yvette Clark (D.), whose Brooklyn area is only 15.2 square miles, charged $10,400 to taxpayers in 2024, with vehicle lease payments being charged to Ford Motor Credit.
Rep. James Clyburn (D., SC) is one of the few participating Democrats representing rural areas. His district is 6,926 square miles, but thanks to the contributions of taxpayers he rides it in style. The prominent Democrat paid $11,999 for vehicle lease payments to Volvo Automotive Financial Services in 2024.
Rep. Al Green (D.), whose district has a 218-square-mile district, earned $22,235 in 2024 on vehicle lease payments for Mobilease LLC, a Texas-based dealer offering a wide range of brands. His office did not reply to requests for comment.
Of the 27 Democrats with taxpayer-funded vehicles, only three responded to the free beacon request for comments. Rep. Norma Torres (D., California) leased the Toyota Hybrid Prius in a taxpayer fund in 2024, and a spokesman for Rep. Patrick Ryan (D., New York) said he is funding the van he uses for his mobile outlet service office. Rep. Hank Johnson (D., Georgia) leased the 2023 GMC terrain to transport equipment and other materials to district events.
Rep. Troy Nairs (R., Texas) was the only Republican known to lease payments to luxury car brands in 2024. His office paid $10,583 for Lexus and Lexus Toyota financial services in 2024. Nehls spokesperson Emily Matthews refused to share the model with the makers of taxpayer-funded vehicles.
“We believe it’s a good use of taxpayer funds and adhere to the rules and policies of every home,” Matthews told the free Beacon.
