One would think that getting a personal cash loan isn’t generally an easy thing to forget. Over $ 55,000 in personal loans appear to have just “slipped the mind” of New York congressman Gregory Meeks. Gregory Meeks, 11 year representative, is a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee.
What Gregory Meeks considers an “oversight”
Last Sunday, the New York Daily News broke the story that Gregory Meeks had two cash personal loan that he “forgot” to list on financial disclosures. Meeks said that he did learn about these loans, but he refused to say who they were from or what they were for. This $ 55,000 was given to Meeks in two loans – $ 40,000 and $ 15,000 in 2007 and 2008. Within the disclosure document, these loans were listed as “personal unsecured loans.” Meeks also has a loan worth $ 50,000 to $ 100,000 with a Queens businessman.
Financial disclosure requirements
The financial situation of U.S. House members must be disclosed once a year. In general, these disclosures have to consist of assets, income, liabilities, and employment. Because his disclosure was sent in months late, the 2009 disclosure from Gregory Meeks was questioned. Meeks said a “careful and thorough review” was initiated, and this review found the “oversight” in his disclosure. Technically, these disclosures are designed to be public, though the House Clerk and Secretary of State, with whom they must be filed, don’t post these disclosures online.
Consequences for Gregory Meeks?
This $ 55,000 oversight could effortlessly lead to official disciplinary action for Gregory Meeks. House Rule XXVI states that Gregory Meeks might be charged with a violation of the ethics code . Second, his congressional constituents could take action against him. Most likely, however, Meeks will not face charges unless you will find improprieties in the administration of these “small” cash loans. It could be up to the voters to choose in the next election whether Gregory Meeks should face consequences or not.
