Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is facing an investigation from the House Committee on Ethics, according to a press release from the panel.
Sparse details about the inquiry were given, but the press release Wednesday explained that the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Ethics had relayed the matter to the panel on June 23. The committee announced it’s extending its review of the OCE complaint against Ocasio-Cortez.
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“The Committee notes that the mere fact of a referral or an extension, and the mandatory disclosure of such an extension and the name of the subject of the matter, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee,” the panel emphasized.
The extension of the inquiry comes ahead of the swearing-in of the 118th Congress in January. That means an announcement on the next steps from the committee won’t take place until the new year, when Republicans regain the majority. The committee rules typically require the eventual release of details of the original OCE referral.
A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez was resolute that the matter would get dismissed.
“The Congresswoman has always taken ethics incredibly seriously, refusing any donations from lobbyists, corporations or other special interests,” the spokesperson said, Forbes reported.
Last year, an ethics watchdog called for a review of Ocasio-Cortez’s attendance at the Met Gala, in which she famously caused a stir by donning a dress bearing the slogan, “Tax the Rich.” The watchdog, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, underscored that House Rule 25 imposed restrictions on the types of gifts members of Congress could receive.
FACT implored the House Committee on Ethics to examine the matter, but it is unclear if the Met Gala controversy is connected to the investigation revealed Wednesday. Other members of the New York delegation, such as outgoing Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), appear to have landed in similar controversy over the Met Gala.
Notably, the Office of Congressional Ethics previously divulged that it “transmitted a referral to the Committee on Ethics” for Maloney on June 23, 2022 — the same date given for the Ocasio-Cortez referral noted in the press release Wednesday.
FACT harped on reports that Ocasio-Cortez was gifted tickets that are typically valued around $35,000 apiece and the congresswoman’s claims she “borrowed” a designer dress to attend.
“The gift rule for Members of Congress is very clear and is in place for good reason. Members simply cannot accept anything of value that isn’t on the short list of permitted items. This is a bedrock ethics rule and it serves several important purposes,” FACT Executive Director Kendra Arnold said.
Maloney, who chairs the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, has weathered scrutiny over allegations she made a call requesting an invitation to the gala, which “had decided not to invite her to that year’s event.” Maloney denied wrongdoing.
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The Washington Examiner reached out to a spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez and the House Committee on Ethics for additional information. A spokesperson for the Ethics Committee said, “No comment.”
