Ethics Complaints Filed Against Vermont Legislators Over Israel Trip

A Jewish advocacy group, Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP), has filed ethics complaints against five Vermont legislators—Rep. Sarita Austin, D-Colchester; Rep. Matt Birong, D-Vergennes; Rep. Gina Galfetti, R-Barre Town; Rep. Will Greer, D-Bennington; and Rep. James Gregoire, R-Fairfield—who participated in a trip to Israel sponsored by the Israeli government in September 2025. The complaints allege that accepting the trip, valued at approximately $6,500 per person, violated state laws regarding the acceptance of gifts by public officials.

VTDiggerVermont Daily ChronicleVermont Stands Alone: Lax Rules Let Lawmakers Accept Foreign Trips Banned ElsewhereCAIR Supports Jewish Voice for Peace’s Ethics Complaints Against Vermont Lawmakers Over Pro-Genocide Propaganda Tours to Israel

The trip, described as the largest gathering of U.S. state legislators in Israel, included meetings with high-ranking Israeli officials and was framed by the Israeli government as an educational experience. However, critics argue that it served as a lobbying effort aimed at generating political support for Israel's actions in Gaza, particularly amid ongoing military operations that have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

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The complaints highlight a loophole in Vermont's ethics laws, specifically Title 3, Section 1203g, which allows public officials to accept gifts categorized as "gifts to the State." This provision has led to concerns about unregulated lobbying and the potential for foreign influence in state politics. Additionally, the Vermont State Ethics Commission currently lacks the authority to investigate such complaints thoroughly, as a recent legislative change has delayed its investigatory powers until September 2027.

Vermont Stands Alone: Lax Rules Let Lawmakers Accept Foreign Trips Banned ElsewhereVTDiggerCAIR Supports Jewish Voice for Peace’s Ethics Complaints Against Vermont Lawmakers Over Pro-Genocide Propaganda Tours to IsraelVermont Daily Chronicle

The legislators involved have defended their participation in the trip, asserting that it was a fact-finding mission intended to provide insights into complex geopolitical issues. Rep. Matt Birong stated, “In a world increasingly filled with siloed media and narrowed information streams, I wanted to take the opportunity to witness for myself and ask questions.” Rep. James Gregoire emphasized that the trip did not connect to their legislative work, while Rep. Gina Galfetti criticized the complaints as spreading misinformation.

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Opposition to the trip has been vocal, with groups like the Vermont Coalition for Palestinian Liberation (VCPL) demanding the legislators' resignation. They argue that the trip was not educational but rather a means to support Israel's military actions in Gaza. The VCPL claims to have gathered over 1,000 signatures on a petition for the legislators' resignation, framing the trip as an endorsement of what they describe as genocide.

Vermont Daily Chronicle

The Vermont House Speaker, Jill Krowinski, noted that her office does not oversee the legislators' trip decisions and that any issues should be reviewed by the House Ethics Panel. Meanwhile, Pattie McCoy, the House GOP leader, expressed support for the legislators, stating, “We support State Representatives who reach out and travel to engage in, and build, international relations.”

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The ethics complaints will be referred to the House Ethics Panel for review. Given the current legal framework, there is a possibility that the complaints may be dismissed, as the legislators' actions may fall within the "gift to the State" exception. This situation raises broader questions about the adequacy of Vermont's ethical standards and the potential need for reform to address foreign influence in state politics.

Vermont Stands Alone: Lax Rules Let Lawmakers Accept Foreign Trips Banned Elsewhere