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Ethics committee clears Pingree’s use of the private jet

A letter, which was signed by Representatives Zoe Lofgren and Jo Bonner, clarified Maine Representative Chellie Pingree’s use of a private jet owned by her fiancé. The letter says that the private jet trip is permitted under House rules.

Pingree was criticized by the media after she was seen boarding a 2007 Dassault Falcon 2000EX jet owned by Donald Sussman, her fiancé.

She was heavily criticized because she used to criticize similar actions by lawmakers.

The letter from Lofgren and Bonner said that family members are allowed to give gifts, including transportation, to members of Congress. And Sussman counts as Pingree’s family member, permitting the trip.