Ethics Watchdog Calls for Investigation into Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Using Official House Video for Campaign Purposes

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez Appears to have abused official resources for political purposes in violation of federal law 

Washington, D.C. --- April 17, 2023---- Today, the non-partisan ethics watchdog, the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT), filed a complaint requesting the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) investigate Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York for using official resources for political purposes, including official House floor and committee video, in violation of federal law and House ethics rules.  

Federal law clearly states that Members are prohibited from using official resources for any campaign or political activity. House Ethics rules outline official resources as anything funded by taxpayers or invoking the authority of the government. Specific examples of official resources are government buildings, staff, websites, House floor and committee proceedings video, and social media accounts. House Rules specifically forbid Members from using House floor and committee proceedings video regardless of the source from which the video was obtained. 

Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has published numerous political posts using official House floor and committee proceedings footage. The official videos appear on her campaign feed among her campaign and political posts. Moreover, she is republishing official government accounts, which are maintained by government staff and carry the authority of the federal government. These actions clearly violate federal law and House Ethics rules.  

“The law is quite clear that Members cannot use official resources, and specifically House video, for political purposes. This law not only safeguards taxpayer-funded resources from abuse, but it upholds the integrity of official proceedings by minimizing the incentive for Members to use them for their own personal political gain. It is important that the position of an elected federal official not be unduly leveraged for political purposes. This is not a one-time occurrence for Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, she has repeatedly disregarded this law and the OCE should take swift action,” said Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of FACT.

A full copy of the complaint (which includes images) can be found HERE. 

FACT is a nonprofit organization promoting accountability, ethics, and transparency in government and civic arenas.

For more on FACT visit: http://www.factdc.org/

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