Issa was worth more than $355 million at the end of 2012. | REUTERS Issa made nearly $60M in 2012

Rep. Darrell Issa made nearly $60 million in 2012, according to a financial disclosure he filed with the House earlier this month.

The California Republican, who earned at least $59.4 million last year, is one of the richest men in Congress. Issa was worth more than $355 million at the end of 2012 — an amount that appears to have jumped roughly $100 million since his last filing.


His precise net worth is nearly impossible to ascertain because members of Congress are only required to disclose assets, income and debts in broad ranges. The estimate for Issa’s fortune is based on the minimum reported value of assets and liabilities, so his actual net worth could differ dramatically.

One big change in Issa’s financial outlook from 2011 to 2012 — financial disclosure reports cover the year before they are released — was a significant decrease in his liabilities. In 2012, Issa owed at least $75 million on two bank loans, down from $100 million the previous year.

In addition, Issa — like numerous other investors — saw his net worth increase as Wall Street rode a strong bull market during the last year, his disclosure report shows.

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Issa had loads of transactions in 2012. He bought and sold shares in funds managed by giants like Alliance Bernstein, BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and Lord Abbett. He sold three properties in 2012 — two in Vista, Calif., and another in Carlsbad, Calif. — and earned $11 million from the sales, according to the disclosure. He lists two personal loans — one between $25 million and $50 million, and another listed at more than $50 million.

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Issa is the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, an investigatory panel that has been a thorn in the side of President Barack Obama’s administration. The 12-year veteran of Congress made his fortune in the car alarm business.