If you have $250 to spare and would like to hire U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert to record a personalized video message, the Colorado Republican, who appeared on a cameo last weekend, announced Monday afternoon that she would be willing to pay for the service. You may have to deactivate your account and wait, as your ability to make a claim is in question. Violating house rules.
Boebert appears to have been the first sitting lawmaker to try to promote bespoke video clips on the popular platform, but some former colleagues, including Republicans George Santos and Matt Gaetz, have Some people also offer customized videos.
“This is your daughter Lauren Boebert from Colorado,” she said in an introductory video posted to her site Saturday, after being elected to a third term this month after moving across state to a new district. Boebert said. “I’m so excited to be joining another platform where I can connect directly with supporters around the world.”
Boebert’s Cameo page initially described herself as an “influencer” and “political commentator,” but she charged more than $250 to record various messages, including “Birthday.” Possibilities such as “saying happy day,” “asking a question,” and “receiving a message” were suggested. Reprimand and encouragement. ”
“Whether you or someone you know, you need some America First encouragement. Want to surprise your friends and family with a message on your special day, or just want my opinion on what’s on your mind? , Cameo is perfect. Connect with me,” Boebert said in the video. “You can schedule a video now through my Cameo profile and we’ll meet and talk soon.”
Boebert’s page does not mention her position as a congresswoman, instead calling her “not your typical Republican politician. A Jesus-loving, constitutionalist, America First, free-spirited person.” A fighter,” he explained.
By late morning, Boebert’s Cameo page had stopped accepting reservations and disappeared by mid-afternoon.
Boebert’s office declined to comment.
Congressional ethics experts say Boebert’s attempts to cash in on his celebrity could run afoul of House rules that limit outside income for lawmakers and prohibit sitting members from receiving speaking fees. suggested that there is.
Common Cause Senior Director of Legislative Affairs Aaron Scherve told Colorado Politics on Monday that Boebert appears to be the first sitting lawmaker to open a Cameo account. He noted that the House Ethics Committee has not yet considered the issue.
“Until there is some formal guidance, there is an expectation that members will probably be allowed to register,” Schaab said, adding, “It appears that there is a potential violation of the honorarium prohibition. , has not been verified,” he added.
According to the Ethics Committee’s explanation of applicable laws, rules and standards of conduct, members of the House of Representatives and senior staff members are prohibited from receiving honoraria. An honorarium is defined as “payment of money or something of value for an appearance, speech, or article.” ”
Additionally, the regulations define speech as “a speech, address, address, lecture, or other form of speech, whether delivered in person, electronically transmitted, recorded, or broadcast through any media. Defined as “oral presentation”.
Mr. Schaab added that Mr. Boebert would be required to report the income he received from the business.
“Even if the House Ethics Committee provides guidance that sitting members can appear in cameos, members must abide by that limit, as the cap on outside income for members of Congress is currently $31,815,” he said. Probably.”
Mr. Santos and Mr. Gates signed on for cameo roles shortly after leaving office. Santos, who represented a New York district, was expelled from the House of Representatives late last year over allegations of campaign finance fraud. Meanwhile, Gaetz resigned from Congress last week after President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to nominate a Florida lawmaker as attorney general, but Gaetz also faced allegations that he paid for sex with a 17-year-old girl. I accepted and declined. He joined the cameo the next day.
