The Center for Public Integrity, which consistently
produces excellent watchdog journalism, reports that up to a dozen members of
Congress spent the 9/11 anniversary wining and dining PAC leaders and lobbyists
at expensive Washington fundraisers.

Bishop

Among those who engaged in collecting campaign cash was
Congressman Mike Bishop of Oakland County, a Republican who represents Michigan’s
8th Congressional District.

The Center for Public Integrity confirmed that Bishop’s
fundraiser took place Friday morning at a Capitol Hill restaurant, Stanton
& Greene, where supporters were asked to contribute $500 to $1,000.

“In the past, the day (9/11) has been a time when
politicking is put aside. Attack ads are taken down, debates cease and the
focus moves away from election season. Despite this, several lawmakers took
today to fundraise,” wrote the Center’s Cady Zuvich on Friday.

The Center verified with event hosts that Bishop, Kevin
Cramer, R-N.D. and Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn., fundraised on 9/11. At least nine
other members of Congress had scheduled fundraisers for Friday, according to
invitations and scheduling emails. But the Center was unable to independently
confirm the events took place.

It’s important to note that fundraisers are planned well
in advance and the lawmakers would have knowingly scheduled them on the 14th
anniversary of the terrorist attacks.

Here’s the electronic invitation to Bishop’s event: