Sounds like pretty shady politics. If the elected representative were positioned to gain personally by a decision they were voting on...it would be rightful grounds for that party to abstain from vote due conflict of interest. That same standard should apply to non-elected committees convened to review use of government funds. Sadly it appears the committee involved here is not being held to ethical practices that prevent such self indulgence and personal gain. Government earned funds (including grants) should be for larger citizens concerns (not individual committee members).