Senate ethics officer clears Senator McPhedran in Afghan documents affair

After a four-year investigation, Senate Ethics Officer James O'Reilly concluded that Senator Marilou McPhedran did nothing wrong when she helped to distribute government-branded documents with false information to Afghans fleeing the Taliban in 2021.

Senator Marilou McPhedran worked with a network of contacts in Afghanistan to help women at risk of violence from the Taliban to get out of the country in 2021.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

News

BY PETER MAZEREEUW

June 10, 2026

Senator Marilou McPhedran did nothing wrong when she helped to distribute government-branded documents with false information to Afghans fleeing the Taliban in 2021, according to Senate Ethics Officer James O’Reilly.

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Today’s Headlines Newsletter

Your quick scan of the news you need each weekday to be the smartest person in the room.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

FOLLOW THE HILL TIMES: