Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) faces allegations of ethical misconduct from the conservative watchdog group FACT, accusing him of a possible pay-to-play arrangement. The claims suggest that his legislative actions may have helped steer federal funds to Ocean Conservancy, an environmental nonprofit associated with his wife, Sandra Whitehouse.

According to FACT, Ocean Conservancy has received around $12.2 million in federal grants since 2008, with $5.2 million awarded last year. Sandra Whitehouse, previously a Senior Policy Advisor for the nonprofit, allegedly earned approximately $2.7 million through employment and consulting.

Critics argue that Whitehouse’s influential role on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee might have created a conflict of interest, while supporters view the allegations as politically motivated. The Senate Ethics Committee is now reviewing the complaint to determine if a formal investigation is warranted.