Richard W. Painter, a professor of law at the University of Minnesota and former chief White House ethics lawyer to President George W. Bush, described Frelinghuysen's actions as "not illegal but an awful thing to do." Nonprofit ethics watchdog Campaign for Accountability filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics requesting an investigation into whether Frelinghuysen violated House ethics rules in his letter to the board member of the bank. Anyone can file a complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics; the office reviews complaints from the public and can choose to refer those it considers valid to the House Ethics Committee. Frelinghuysen hired lawyers following the complaint. Lobbying career In 2021, Frelinghuysen registered as a foreign agent on behalf of Tatiana Clouthier, the Secretary of the Economy of Mexico. As a member of lobbying firm and law firm Greenberg Traurig, he and the firm "technical advice, analysis and strategy on foreign trade that address and promote Mexico's interests". Awards and honors In June 2013, Frelinghuysen was awarded the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award, the Navy's highest civilian honor, for the "long and selfless service" he had provided to the force, ensuring it had necessary resources and supporting its members' quality of life. Frelinghuysen was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal for his service during the Vietnam War. Personal life At the start of the 112th Congress, Frelinghuysen was ranked the ninth wealthiest member of congress, with an estimated personal wealth between $20 million and $65 million. A Roll Call report on Frelinghuysen's wealth in 2010 indicated that about a third stemmed from personal and family trust investments in Procter & Gamble stock. He owns multiple properties, including nearly 18 acres of undeveloped land in Frelinghuysen Township, New Jersey. On May 24, 2007, Frelinghuysen chased down a pickpocket who had stolen his wallet near his home in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Two Washington police officers saw the chase and arrested the 18-year-old suspect who had been caught by the 61-year-old congressman. He and his wife Virginia have two daughters, Louisine and Sarah. Electoral history *Write-in and minor candidate notes: In 1994, Stuart Bacha received 436 votes. In 1996, Victoria S. Spruiell received 1,837 votes. In 1998, Stephen A. Bauer received 755 votes. In 2000, Ficus received between 68 and 150 votes. References External links Official US Congress site (via archive.org) |- 1946 births 20th-century American politicians 21st-century American