Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, the panel said in a statement on Wednesday, without disclosing the reason for the probe. The ethics panel said in a brief statement that a matter regarding the New York Democrat had been transmitted to it by the Office of Congressional Ethics on June 23, 2022, and that the panel is extending its review.
The committee said it would announce its course of action on the matter in the next congressional session, which begins in January. Lauren Hitt, a spokeswoman for Ocasio-Cortez, said in a statement: “The congresswoman has always taken ethics incredibly seriously, refusing any donations from lobbyists, corporations, or other special interests. We are confident that this matter will be dismissed.” The ethics committee noted in its statement that a referral or extension of an investigation does not mean violations have occurred, nor does it reflect the panel’s judgment. Also read: House ethics panel investigates Rep. Carolyn Maloney over alleged solicitation of tickets to Met Gala