OAN Staff Abril Elfi
11:23 AM – Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Connecticut Democrat Representative Jahana Hayes spent almost $13,000 of campaign funds on “oysters, Martha’s Vineyard trips, and more” as residents were recovering from deadly floods in her state, according to a new report.
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According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, Hayes (D-Conn.) spent about $12,876.74 on trips to the picturesque island paradise, just 7 miles off the coast of Massachusetts, and the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) convention while the storm ravaged her home state on August 18th.
The flooding, mudslides, and landslides caused more than $206 million in damages to roads, businesses, and homes. Two people also died in the storm and over 100 others had to be evacuated by search and rescue teams.
Federal records show that during the time of the storm, Hayes spent $6,384.91 at Chicago’s Sheraton Grand while attending the DNC Convention.
On August 21st, Hayes posted a video to Facebook to express her condolences to those affected by the floods.
“My heart goes out to all of the people impacted, and I really tried to work with all of the local agencies to make sure that we got the relief that we could,” she said.
“When I started to get the [storm] updates in the news, I tried to schedule a flight back to Connecticut, but as you know there were delays, cancellations, and flights have just been booked.”
Soon after, Hayes flew to Martha’s Vineyard, where she spent $2,000 staying at a lavish waterfront resort and over $1,700 while dining at restaurants that specialize in serving oysters, caviar, and lobster. Additionally, she spent $1,635 on a rental car.
The Republican American newspaper, which is based in Hayes’ hometown, Waterbury, ran a survey in late August that found that 67% of respondents said the congresswoman should have returned so that she could have responded to the floods and helped provide relief to affected residents.
Hayes shared social media posts and press releases about the emergency response to the flash flood, but only held one briefing with federal, state, and local officials on August 23rd to assess the storm damage.
Many criticized Hayes for the money she spent at the resort while the storm took its toll on her district.
“It takes courage to choke down $8 oysters in Martha’s Vineyard with millionaire donors while Jahana’s constituents suffered,” National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Savannah Viar said in a statement.
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