AOC responds to House Ethics investigation against her being revealed
Gabe Kaminsky
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The congressional office for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) responded to the revelation that the bipartisan House Ethics Committee is investigating her.
“The congresswoman has always taken ethics incredibly seriously, refusing any donations from lobbyists, corporations, or other special interests,” Lauren Hitt, an AOC spokeswoman, told Forbes after news of the investigation emerged.
It is unclear what exactly the investigation pertains to. But a press release from the committee on Wednesday said it received a June 23 transmission from the Office of Congressional Ethics relating to the extension of an investigation.
AOC FACING HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE INVESTIGATION
“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,” said the press release.
“The Committee will announce its course of action in this matter following its organizational meeting and adoption of Committee Rules in the 118th Congress,” the release added.
Watchdog groups have previously alleged that Ocasio-Cortez may have violated House ethics rules upon borrowing jewelry and a custom “tax the rich” gown for the 2021 Met Gala in New York City. In addition, they have alleged that the congresswoman unlawfully took free tickets to the Met Gala for Riley Roberts, her prior boyfriend, and herself.
The National Legal and Policy Center and the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, two conservative groups, included this information in their respective ethics complaints.
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“The House Ethics rules serve to guard the public trust in elected officials,” FACT said in its complaint. “It is especially damaging to the public trust if it appears that our political leaders are cashing in on their elected position, are obtaining gifts, or are being granted access to ‘elite and inaccessible’ events. Violations of these rules are serious and cannot be overlooked.”
Ocasio-Cortez’s office and the House Ethics Committee did not respond to requests for comment.