Based on a latest comment provided by the House Ethics Committee, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is under investigation. An accusation against the congresswoman was the subject of an investigation that was referred to the Office of Congressional Ethics in June of this year.
An impartial, nonpartisan institution called the Office of Congressional Ethics examines how House members and their employees behave themselves. If a complaint warrants additional inquiry after evaluation, it may be sent to the House Ethics Committee.
“Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A), and Committee Rules 17A(b)(1)(A), 17A(c)(1), and 17A(j), the Acting Chairwoman and Acting Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics have jointly decided to extend the matter regarding Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which was transmitted to the Committee by the Office of Congressional Ethics on June 23, 2022. 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.”
It further specified that after its organizational meeting and the 118th Congress’ ratification of its committee rules, the Committee will make its decision on how to proceed in this case public.
The House Ethics Committee is scheduled to convene sometime in 2023 during which they will continue to debate their plan of action. The complaint will be examined by the eight members of the panel. Beyond the press announcement, no other information has been provided.
Another complaint was brought by the American Accountability Foundation accusing the event was monitored by a for-profit group that could present a potential conflict of interest. The group asserted that by sponsoring a table at the dinner, businesses might have basically purchased access to the lawmaker that is not available to regular individuals.
AOC claimed she attended the gala to experience New York City’s cultural offerings, but she never addressed the criticisms leveled at her in the public.
