U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock is facing renewed scrutiny over his financial disclosures and housing arrangement, as a conservative watchdog group formally requests a Senate Ethics Committee investigation. The Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) alleges that Warnock failed to disclose key benefits related to housing provided by Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he serves as senior pastor.
FACT’s complaint centers on a $989,000 home in Georgia that the church reportedly purchased for Warnock. Prior to moving into the luxury residence, he was receiving a $7,400-per-month housing allowance. The group argues that the value of the home and his continued salary raise serious ethical and financial transparency concerns, especially given his dual role as a U.S. Senator and part-time employee of the church.
“There are tax laws and ethics rules which allow for a senator to accept reasonable lodging or housing, but they are only applicable in a narrow set of circumstances,” FACT Executive Director Kendra Arnold said. “This isn’t a loophole for free housing worth nearly a million dollars.” She added that the housing benefit must be “commensurate to the work done” and properly disclosed.
Warnock’s office responded, claiming he followed all legal and ethical procedures. A statement said he “sought and received explicit approval from the bipartisan Senate Ethics Committee,” and that the church-provided housing “is not income” but rather a “customary benefit” tied to his longstanding role at the church.
The allegations have intensified partisan debate in Washington, with critics arguing that even if the arrangement is technically permitted, it reflects poorly on the senator’s commitment to transparency. The complaint could increase pressure on the Senate Ethics Committee to revisit the issue and clarify what counts as appropriate outside compensation for members of Congress.
Whether the committee takes formal action remains to be seen, but the call for investigation is already fueling calls for stronger oversight and ethics reform in Congress.
