Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has responded to the announcement that she’s being investigated by the U.S. House Committee on Ethics.
On Wednesday, the House Committee on Ethics announced they have been investigating the progressive congresswoman for possible ethics violations since June, but provided no details on what the violations could be.
In a statement to USA Today on Wednesday night, Ocasio-Cortez’s office said “we are confident that this matter will be dismissed.”
“The Congresswoman has always taken ethics incredibly seriously, refusing any donations from lobbyists, corporations, or other special interests,” the statement added.
The committee said it “decided to extend” its investigation, adding that it is required to publicize such an extension along with the name of who’s being investigated. But it said that disclosure does not mean “that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment.”
The committee’s announcement said it received the matter in June from the Office of Congressional Ethics. The OCE is an “independent, non-partisan entity” that reviews “allegations of misconduct” leveled at representatives, their staff, and officers of the House. It refers inquiries to the House committee on ethics “when appropriate.”
The committee said it “will announce its course of action in this matter” after the new Congress convenes in 2023.
Two complaints about Ocasio-Cortez to the OCE have previously been made public, both stemming from her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala, as reported by the New York Post.
Both complaints alleged that she improperly accepted free tickets to the event from one of its corporate sponsors. The second complaint also alleged that her controversial “Tax The Rich” gown was an improper gift from clothing brand Brother Vellies.
The House ethics committee is also investigating another New York Democrat, Carolyn Maloney, for possibly accepting unallowed gifts at the Met Gala in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
The committee said it received the Maloney investigation from the OCE on June 23, the same day it received the matter regarding Ocasio-Cortez.
This was a breaking news story. The details were periodically updated as more information became available.
