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Kelly Johnson’s counseling services are the centerpiece of an organization that does not disclose its donors. The nonprofit, a part-time endeavor run solely by Johnson, provides counseling, delivers speeches and conducts “spiritual heritage tours” of the U.S. Capitol that highlight the nation’s Christian history. Financial disclosures show Johnson was paid $50,000 for 10 hours of work per week in 2024.

Young staffers could also feel pressured to participate in Johnson’s counseling and Bible study, said Davina Hurt, director of government ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. Who extends the invitations? Does the speaker’s name gets invoked? Is attendance is ever shared with the boss of a Hill staffer?

“The institutional concern one should have is the power that’s present in those situations,” Hurt said. “If you want to advance through the ranks, you will feel pressure to some degree.”

Davina Hurt, director, government ethics, quoted by The Washington Post.