David B. Wheeler
Role at the time: Ethics complainant and American Muckrakers co-founder
Mixed or conditional
Statement summary
Wheeler said Higgs's pay would violate the House rule if it reflected a family relationship rather than her duties. He asked the committee to determine her marital status and the basis for her raises.
“If that pay is tied to a family relationship rather than to the duties, it violates the House rule”
Read the original text (opens in a new tab)David B. Wheeler explains additions to the Boebert ethics complaint · David B. WheelerOctober 7, 2026 article, Addition 1: Jasmine B. Higgs and the family payroll; Additions 2 and 3
Wheeler describes allegations he says he added to his complaint. He expressly says he does not know whether Higgs and Dylan Boebert are married. The publication verifies his account and requests for inquiry; it does not establish the allegations or House committee acceptance.
Why we used this label
The quoted statement alleges a violation only if pay was tied to a family relationship instead of work. It raises a condition for inquiry rather than establishing improper payments.