FACT Commends Conclusion of House Ethics Committee Probe Which Results in Payment by Rep. AOC for Violating House Rules

An investigation was launched by the House Ethics Committee in response to a September 16, 2021 complaint by the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) against Rep. Ocasio-Cortez for violating House rules. The House Committee on Ethics released a report that officially found:

1. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez impermissibly accepted gifts related to her attire at the 2021 Met Gala;

2. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez impermissibly accepted a gift of free admission to the 2021 Met Gala for her and her then-partner, Riley Roberts; and

3. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez failed to exercise proper oversight of her staff.

The penalty imposed of $2983.28 includes the value of the ticket for Riley Roberts and the fair market value of the goods she accepted.

Kendra Arnold, Executive Director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust:

“Though it’s been nearly four years since we filed our complaint, we are glad the House Ethics Committee did ultimately act and rightfully found that Rep. Ocasio-Cortez violated House rules. The penalty, though small and not at all reflective of the mistrust in government this type of behavior causes, is a reminder to members of Congress that the ethics rules forbid them from receiving improper benefits due to their positions as elected officials. The public deserves to know that their representatives are not financially benefitting from or being granted special access because of their position — timely enforcement of the ethics rules are the only means of ensuring that the public trust is not eroded."

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