Eddie Bernice Johnson Repays $31,000 in Scholarship Money

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, a longtime Texas Congresswoman, repaid from personal funds about $31,000 to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation after disclosures that she had awarded scholarships meant for needy students to her relatives and those of her staff, according to her office.

“While I have unknowingly made a mistake and am, too, disappointed by this, I will continue my fight towards making opportunities for eligible young people and under-represented populations,” Rep. Johnson said in a statement.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, which administers the scholarship program, confirmed that it had received Rep. Johnson’s payment.

The foundation, a nonprofit group that seeks the advancement of African-Americans, provides help for college-bound students by awarding money it receives through private donations. Every year, the foundation awards $10,000 to each member of the Congressional Black Caucus to distribute among worthy candidates in their districts, usually in amounts that don’t exceed $2,000.

Read more: (Ann Zimmerman, “Texas Lawmaker Repays $31,000 to Foundation,” The Wall Street Journal, 09/02/10)