Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez appears to be in hot water, allegedly of her own making, with members of her Democratic Party.
According to reports on Wednesday, the New York self-described Democratic socialist is under investigation by 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,” a press release from the committee stated.
“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 press release noted further.
“The Committee will announce its course of action in this matter following its organizational meeting and adoption of Committee Rules in the 118th Congress,” it said.
It should be noted that in early January, the new Republican majority takes over and that includes a majority of membership on the Ethics Committee.
The Washington Examiner provides more details behind potential violations of House ethics rules:
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.
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.
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