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House Ethics Reports

Investigations, sanctions, and clearances from the House Committee on Ethics and the Office of Congressional Ethics. Press releases announce investigations; investigative reports contain findings; referrals document OCE recommendations.

On Record
137
Pending
14
High Severity
30
Violations
2
Showing the 50 most recent of 137
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeMay 14, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Chuck Edwards

The House Committee on Ethics announced it is reviewing allegations that Representative Chuck Edwards may have created or fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment in violation of the Code of Official Conduct or other standards. The Committee noted that opening a review and publicly disclosing it does not mean a violation has occurred and said no further public comment will be made except under Committee rules.

Michael Guest, Andrew R. Garbarino +11 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeMay 11, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Cory Mills

The House Committee on Ethics announced an Investigative Subcommittee is reviewing multiple allegations concerning Representative Cory Mills. The ISC has issued over 20 subpoenas, gathered thousands of documents, and interviewed dozens of witnesses, and is examining a February 2025 incident involving an alleged assault and an October 2025 court injunction limiting Millss contact with a woman. The Committee says it will continue the investigation, protect witness safety, and publicly release findings under House rules.

1 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeApr 20, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

The House Committee on Ethics announced a public hearing on April 21, 2026 to consider whether to recommend a sanction for Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. The hearing will be at 2:00 p.m. in Longworth House Office Building room 1310. The Committee published Committee counsel’s written submission and the Respondent’s letters of support, and will accept oral and/or written submissions by counsel.

1 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeApr 20, 2026
Committee Statement

Sexual Misconduct and Workplace Rights

The House Committee on Ethics released a statement saying it has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct and seeks to hold responsible anyone found to have engaged in such behavior. The Committee describes its role in investigating allegations, its history of publicly releasing findings when misconduct is substantiated, and its commitment to witness confidentiality and multiple reporting avenues including OCWR and OEA.

2 pages
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeApr 13, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Eric Swalwell

The House Committee on Ethics announced on April 13, 2026 that it has begun an investigation into allegations that Representative Eric Swalwell may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including toward an employee under his supervision. The statement says the Committee will gather additional information and that the public disclosure of the review does not mean a violation has occurred. No further public comments will be made except under Committee rules.

1 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeApr 10, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

The Committee on Ethics released a statement about Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. On March 26, 2026, the adjudicatory subcommittee found that Counts 1-15 and 17-26 in the Statement of Alleged Violations (SAV) were proven by clear and convincing evidence. The full Committee will hold a public hearing on April 21, 2026, to consider any recommended sanction to the House.

1 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeMar 27, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

On March 26, 2026, the adjudicatory subcommittee held a public hearing in the matter of Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and then met in executive session. The subcommittee found Counts 1–15 and 17–26 of the Statement of Alleged Violations proven by clear and convincing evidence. The full Committee will hold a hearing after the April recess to determine any recommended sanction.

Michael Guest, Andrew R. Garbarino +11 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeMar 25, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

The Committee on Ethics announced a public hearing on March 26, 2026, in the adjudicatory subcommittee matter concerning Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. Committee counsel filed a motion for summary judgment on March 6, 2026; the Respondent did not respond to that motion but filed a motion to reconsider on March 23, 2026. At the hearing the subcommittee will first consider the motion to reconsider and, if denied, will consider the motion for summary judgment. The Committee published the motions and a response.

1 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeMar 20, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

The House Committee on Ethics issued a short statement about the adjudicatory subcommittee hearing in the matter of Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick. It provides contact numbers for media credentialing and lists committee leadership, members, and key staff. The release is dated March 20, 2026.

1 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeMar 18, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

The Committee on Ethics' adjudicatory subcommittee met March 17, 2026, and unanimously denied Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s motions to stay adjudicatory proceedings and to hold the adjudicatory hearing in executive session. The subcommittee concluded the matter will proceed with a public hearing on March 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., where it will consider a motion for summary judgment to be released 24 hours beforehand. The Committee said further delay or a full executive session would not serve justice or Committee precedent.

1 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeMar 12, 2026
Committee Statement

Representative Tony Gonzales

The House Committee on Ethics announced on March 12, 2026 that it established an Investigative Subcommittee for Representative Tony Gonzales. The subcommittee members are Michael Guest (Chairman), Deborah Ross (Ranking Member), Ashley Hinson, and Greg Stanton. The Committee received a referral from the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) on March 4, 2026 and said the referrals allegations fall within the subcommittees scope and will be investigated under Committee rules.

Michael Guest, Andrew R. Garbarino +11 page
pendingPress Release·House Ethics CommitteeMar 4, 2026

Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics

The House Committee on Ethics issued a joint statement by its Chairman and Ranking Member opposing House Resolution 1072. The Committee says forced public disclosures required by the resolution could retraumatize victims, chill witness cooperation, and harm investigations into sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. The Committee urges the House to refer the resolution to the Committee so it can address the concerns while balancing transparency and confidentiality.

1 page
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMar 2, 2026

OCC Referral Regarding Rep. Nancy Mace

The Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) reviewed Representative Nancy Mace’s participation in the House Member Reimbursement Allowance (MRA) for D.C. lodging. The OCC found substantial reason to believe Rep. Mace sought and received reimbursements that, in several months in 2023–2024, exceeded the actual lodging-related expenses for a D.C. property she used. The OCC recommends the Committee on Ethics further review the matter and issue subpoenas for the subject and several noncooperating witnesses.

13 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJan 5, 2026

OCC Referral Regarding Mr. Brandon Phillips

The Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) reviewed allegations about Brandon Phillips, Chief of Staff to Rep. Michael Collins (GA-10). The OCC found substantial reason to believe Phillips used House resources for unofficial or unauthorized purposes and that he participated in retaining an employee with whom he had a personal relationship, resulting in recommendations that the Committee on Ethics further review the matter and issue subpoenas for key witnesses. Multiple witnesses and public records corroborated that a paid "District Office Paid Intern," Caroline H. Craze, did not perform district-intern duties and had a preexisting romantic relationship with Phillips.

33 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJan 5, 2026

OCC Referral Regarding Rep. Michael Collins

The Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) reviewed allegations that Rep. Michael Collins’s office paid a district intern, Caroline H. Craze, who did not perform commensurate duties and who had a preexisting romantic relationship with the Member’s Chief of Staff, Brandon Phillips. The OCC found evidence (statements of disbursements, online profiles, and witness interviews) that corroborates the intern was paid while appearing to work elsewhere and that her hiring diverged from normal procedures. The OCC also found substantial reason to believe Rep. Collins used congressional resources for unofficial purposes and recommends the Committee on Ethics further review and issue subpoenas to several涉

37 pages
referralInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeJul 25, 2025
Committee Statement

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The House Committee on Ethics investigated whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez accepted impermissible gifts in connection with her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala. The Committee found she paid for many items but accepted a free guest ticket for her then-partner and accepted (or failed to fully pay fair market value for) some attire and services. The Committee concluded she impermissibly accepted gifts and failed to exercise proper oversight of staff, and required additional personal payments; the matter will be closed once those payments are completed.

Michael Guest, Andrew R. Garbarino +2612 pages
admonishmentInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeJul 25, 2025
Committee Statement

Representative Mike Kelly

The Committee on Ethics investigated whether Representative Mike Kelly or his wife used confidential, nonpublic information about a Department of Commerce Section 232 investigation into GOES-related steel to trade Cleveland-Cliffs stock. The Committee found no substantial evidence that Representative Kelly violated insider-trading laws or conflict-of-interest standards, but it did find substantial evidence he violated clause 1 of the Code of Official Conduct for his conduct during the investigation. The Committee unanimously issued a reproval and required divestiture of the couple’s Cleveland-Cliffs holdings before the Representative takes further official actions related to the company.

Michael Guest, Troy Balderson544 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMay 29, 2025

OCE Report Regarding Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) reviewed allegations about Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick regarding community project funding, campaign contributions, and use of Member Representational Allowance (MRA) funds. The OCE found substantial reason to believe she requested community project funding that would be directed to a for-profit entity, probable cause she accepted campaign contributions linked to an official action, and substantial reason to believe her congressional office made improper MRA payments (or alternatively her campaign accepted unreported in-kind contributions). The OCE recommended the Committee on Ethics further review those three matters and dismissed two other alle­

27 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJan 2, 2025

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Andy Ogles

The Office of Congressional Ethics reviewed Representative Andy Ogles for possible misreporting on his campaign and financial disclosures. The Board found substantial reason to believe Ogles misrepresented the amount he loaned his campaign (reporting $320,000 when only $20,000 was transferred) and that his campaign may have accepted excessive contributions reported as personal loans. The Board recommends the House Committee on Ethics further review the matter and issue subpoenas to Ogles and several banks and individuals who refused to cooperate.

19 pages
pendingInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeJan 2, 2025

Activities of the Committee on Ethics for the 118th Congress

This is the Committee on Ethics report summarizing its activities during the 118th Congress (2023–2024). It lists the Committee membership and staff, describes advice and education work (training, advisory opinions, publications), financial disclosure work, travel approvals, confidentiality rules, and investigative activity. The report summarizes 41 investigative matters, identifies several public investigative matters (including ISCs for Reps. George Santos, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and Henry Cuellar), and states overall dispositions (many matters pending, some dismissed, some reports transmitted to the House or DOJ).

Michael Guest, Andrew R. Garbarino +3339 pages
dismissedInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeDec 23, 2024
Committee Statement

Representative Michael McCaul

The House Committee on Ethics reviewed a misdemeanor charge against Representative Michael McCaul for public intoxication at Washington Dulles International Airport. The prosecutor dismissed the charge on December 13, 2024. The Committee voted not to impanel an investigative subcommittee, will take no further action, and considers the matter closed.

Michael Guest, Andrew R. Garbarino +36 pages
otherInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeDec 23, 2024
Committee Statement

Representative Matt Gaetz

The House Committee on Ethics investigated allegations about Representative Matt Gaetz and, after reauthorizing its review in 2023 and conducting extensive factfinding, released its report on December 24, 2024. The Committee found substantial evidence that Gaetz paid women for sexual activity, had sexual contact with a 17-year-old in July 2017, used illegal drugs (including cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana), accepted impermissible gifts (private air travel and lodging for a 2018 Bahamas trip), used official resources to secure expedited passport assistance for a sexual partner, and sought to obstruct the Committee’s investigation. The Committee did not find sufficient evidence of federal sex‑

Michael Guest290 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsDec 16, 2024

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Cory Mills

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) reviewed Representative Cory Mills and found substantial reason to believe he may have omitted or misrepresented required information in his financial disclosure reports, that his campaign may have accepted excessive personal-loan contributions that may not have come from his personal funds, and that he may have entered into or benefited from federal contracts while serving in Congress. The OCE recommends the House Committee on Ethics further review those three allegations. The OCE found no substantial reason to believe the campaign accepted improper in-kind credit or that Rep. Mills accepted an impermissible gift.

33 pages
dismissedInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeNov 12, 2024
Committee Statement

Representative Victoria Spartz

The House Committee on Ethics reviewed a misdemeanor charge that Representative Victoria Spartz carried an unloaded handgun through security at Washington Dulles International Airport on June 28, 2024. The state charge was later dismissed after Spartz completed a gun safety course and paid a TSA civil penalty; the Committee voted not to impanel an investigative subcommittee and closed the matter. The Committee will take no further action and considers the matter closed.

Michael Guest, Susan Wild +36 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsSep 25, 2024

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

The Office of Congressional Ethics Board voted to refer allegations about Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to the House Committee on Ethics for further review. The Board found substantial reason to believe she made unreported payments to a state political action committee potentially connected to her federal campaign, accepted or failed to report excessive campaign contributions, and failed to report transactions between her campaign and her businesses; it also found substantial reason to believe her congressional office received services from an uncompensated individual. The report recommends the Committee further review these matters.

2 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJun 24, 2024

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Ronny Jackson

The Office of Congressional Ethics found substantial reason to believe Rep. Ronny Jackson or his campaign, Texans for Ronny Jackson, used campaign funds to pay for membership dues, meals, and other services at the Amarillo Club that may have been personal use rather than bona fide campaign expenses. The OCE recommends the House Committee on Ethics further review the matter and issue subpoenas to Rep. Jackson and the Amarillo Club. Rep. Jackson and the Amarillo Club declined to cooperate with the OCE in this review.

13 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJun 24, 2024

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Wesley Hunt

The Office of Congressional Ethics reviewed Rep. Wesley Hunt’s campaign committee, Hunt for Congress, and found substantial reason to believe the campaign converted funds to personal use or made expenditures not attributable to bona fide campaign or political purposes. The OCE identified payments to the Oak Room at the Post Oak Hotel, including membership fees and large catering/facility charges, and reported the committee spent $74,525.60 at the Post Oak Hotel between April 2022 and January 2024. The Board recommended the House Committee on Ethics further review the matter and issue subpoenas to obtain testimony and records.

12 pages
otherInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeJun 5, 2024
Committee Statement

Representative Bill Huizenga

The Committee on Ethics investigated allegations that Representative Bill Huizengaand his campaign misused campaign and official funds. The Committee found no clear personal use of campaign funds but concluded the campaign had inadequate recordkeeping and reporting practices that violated clause 6 of the House Code of Official Conduct. The Committee closed the matter without sanction, noted remedial steps taken by the campaign, and said it will update guidance to the House on personal use of campaign funds.

Michael Guest, Susan Wild +2375 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMay 10, 2024

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Troy Nehls

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) reviewed allegations that Representative Troy Nehls’ campaign committee made rent and other disbursements to entities tied to Nehls that may not have been for bona fide campaign purposes, and that Nehls failed to disclose his position or income from Liberty 1776, LLC on his annual House financial disclosure reports. The OCE found probable cause to believe Nehls converted campaign funds to personal use and omitted required financial disclosure information, and recommended the House Committee on Ethics further review the matter and issue subpoenas to multiple witnesses and entities that declined to cooperate.

14 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJan 25, 2024

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Jamaal Bowman

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) reviewed Rep. Jamaal Bowman for pulling a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building on September 30, 2023. The OCE found substantial reason to believe he willfully or knowingly gave a false alarm of fire and referred that allegation to the House Committee on Ethics for further review. The OCE found there was not substantial reason to believe he obstructed or attempted to impede an official House proceeding and recommended dismissal of that allegation.

Jamaal Bowman16 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsNov 16, 2023

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. George Santos

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) referred Representative George Santos to the House Committee on Ethics after finding substantial reason to believe he may have misstated or omitted required information on candidate financial disclosure forms and FEC filings, may have used campaign funds for personal purposes, and may have accepted excessive personal-loan contributions that were not his personal funds. The OCE recommends the Committee further review those financial and campaign-finance allegations, but it found insufficient reason to believe Santos sexually harassed or discriminated against a prospective aide. The OCE also reported multiple non-cooperative witnesses and recommended a

Michael Guest, Susan Wild38 pages
referralInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeNov 16, 2023
Committee Statement

Representative George Santos

The House Committee on Ethics adopted the Investigative Subcommittee (ISC) report on Representative George Santos and referred substantial evidence to the Department of Justice. The Committee found that the ISC uncovered evidence that Santos caused false campaign reports, used campaign funds for personal use, engaged in fraudulent business conduct related to RedStone Strategies LLC, and knowingly and willfully violated financial disclosure laws. The Committee noted Santos repeatedly failed to cooperate with the investigation and has not corrected his financial disclosure statements.

1017 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMar 2, 2023

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) reviewed whether Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez accepted impermissible gifts related to her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala. The OCE found substantial reason to believe she accepted goods and services (attire, hair, makeup, transportation, ready-room) that were not paid for until after the OCE opened its review and recommended the House Committee on Ethics further review the matter and subpoena noncooperating witnesses. The report notes some vendors and individuals declined to cooperate.

18 pages
pendingInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeJan 2, 2023

Activities of the Committee on Ethics for the 117th Congress

This is the Committee on Ethics report summarizing its activities during the 117th Congress (2021–2022). It describes the Committee’s advice and education work, financial disclosure oversight, travel approvals, rulemaking, fine appeals, guidance on manipulated media, and investigative activity including the initiation, disposition, and public statements about specific matters. The report lists 72 investigative matters begun or continued in the 117th Congress, three impaneled investigative subcommittees (Michael San Nicolas, Jeff Fortenberry, Madison Cawthorn), and summarizes outcomes for several public matters (e.g., Cawthorn: admonishment, repayment and late fees; San Nicolas: referral to U

Susan Wild, Michael Guest +6274 pages
admonishmentInvestigative Report·House Ethics CommitteeDec 6, 2022
Committee Statement

Representative Madison Cawthorn

The House Committee on Ethics investigated Representative Madison Cawthorn for promoting a cryptocurrency called LGB Coin and for an alleged improper relationship with a staffer. The Committee found no evidence of an improper staff relationship but found substantial evidence that Cawthorn promoted a cryptocurrency in which he had a financial interest, failed to timely disclose related transactions, and received an improper gift by purchasing coins on more favorable terms. The Committee adopted the Investigative Subcommittee report, admonished Cawthorn, and directed him to repay $14,237.49 to charity, pay $1,000 in late filing fees to the Treasury (plus an additional $200 noted in the report)

Susan Wild, Michael Guest +382 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsNov 28, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) reviewed Representative Kaiali‘i Kahele for possible misuse of official resources on campaign social media accounts and for potential conflicts related to his employment with Hawaiian Airlines. The OCE found substantial reason to believe Kahele’s campaign accounts posted images and videos taken in House spaces, used official graphics/posts, shared official communications, and promoted official events, and recommended the Committee further review that allegation. The OCE found no substantial reason to believe he took official actions motivated by his financial ties to Hawaiian Airlines and recommended dismissal of that allegation.

38 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsNov 21, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Carolyn Maloney

The Office of Congressional Ethics found substantial reason to believe Representative Carolyn Maloney may have solicited or accepted impermissible gifts tied to her attendance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Met Gala. The OCE concludes Maloney likely requested an invitation in 2016 and that request appears to have affected subsequent invitations, which could make free attendance ineligible for the charitable-event exception. The Board recommended the House Committee on Ethics further review the matter.

15 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsAug 1, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Thomas Suozzi

The Office of Congressional Ethics found substantial reason to believe Representative Tom Suozzi failed to file timely Periodic Transaction Reports (PTRs) for many securities transactions from January 2017 through August 2021. The OCE documented that Suozzi disclosed hundreds of transactions on annual reports but did not file PTRs until September 23, 2021, when he filed a corrective PTR disclosing 453 transactions; the OCE identified an additional 31 unreported transactions. The Board recommended the Committee on Ethics further review the matter.

23 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJun 24, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Delegate Michael F.Q. San Nicolas

The Office of Congressional Ethics investigated Delegate Michael San Nicolas and found substantial reason to believe he accepted excessive cash contributions, failed to disclose or reported false information in FEC filings, and converted campaign funds to personal use or made unverifiable campaign expenditures. The OCE found evidence a $10,000 cash contribution was solicited and concealed, identified $14,840.49 in unexplained disbursements to the delegate, and described possible travel and inflated vendor invoices tied to personal use. The Board referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics and recommended subpoenas for several witnesses and entities.

21 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMay 31, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Chris Jacobs

The Office of Congressional Ethics Board reviewed whether Representative Chris Jacobs failed to timely file Periodic Transaction Reports for various transactions. The Board found the matter unresolved and referred it to the House Committee on Ethics because the Board vote was tied. The referral vote was 3 in favor and 3 opposed, and Omar S. Ashmawy is designated to present the report.

1 page
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMay 31, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Pat Fallon

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) reviewed Rep. Pat Fallon for potentially failing to timely file Periodic Transaction Reports (PTRs) required by the STOCK Act. The Board found substantial reason to believe Rep. Fallon failed to file timely PTRs for numerous transactions in 2021 and referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics for further review. The OCE notes Rep. Fallon declined to cooperate and that he filed several PTRs in 2021 with many late disclosures and paid some late-filing fees.

20 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMay 31, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. John Rutherford

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) found substantial reason to believe Representative John Rutherford repeatedly failed to file timely Periodic Transaction Reports (PTRs) for numerous securities transactions between 2017 and 2021. The Board referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics for further review after finding 157 late-reported transactions in publicly filed PTRs and noting inconsistencies in transaction dates and delayed payment of fines. Rutherford and his Chief of Staff, Jenifer Bradley, declined to cooperate with the OCE, which recommends subpoenas for both.

22 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMay 12, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Ronny Jackson

The Office of Congressional Ethics reviewed Representative Ronny Jackson’s campaign committee, Texans for Ronny Jackson, and found substantial reason to believe campaign funds were used for personal purposes. The OCE found the committee paid the Amarillo Club for membership dues, fees, meals, and other services totaling $5,907.13 from October 2020 to September 2021, including monthly dues and a $649.50 application fee. Rep. Jackson and key associates refused to cooperate, and the OCE recommended the Committee on Ethics further review the matter and issue subpoenas.

11 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMay 12, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Alex Mooney

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) reviewed allegations against Rep. Alex Mooney and found substantial reason to believe he accepted impermissible gifts (including a paid Aruba vacation and free use of a Capitol Hill house), used official staff and resources for personal errands and campaign work, authorized improper MRA expenditures, converted campaign funds to personal use, and withheld or altered information during an OCE investigation. The Board recommended the Committee on Ethics further review these matters and suggested issuing subpoenas to Rep. Mooney and HSP Direct, which declined to cooperate.

Alex X. Mooney54 pages
dismissedReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsMar 22, 2022

OCE Report Regarding Rep. Ilhan Omar

The Office of Congressional Ethics reviewed allegations that Rep. Ilhan Omar omitted required information from her annual financial disclosures and that she received an advance payment on royalties for her memoir. The OCE Board voted to recommend dismissal of both allegations, concluding there was not substantial reason to believe either occurred. The report was adopted December 17, 2021, and forwarded to the House Committee on Ethics.

1 page
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJan 24, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Doug Lamborn

The Office of Congressional Ethics reported substantial reason to believe Rep. Doug Lamborn misused official resources for personal and campaign purposes and solicited or accepted improper gifts from subordinates. The OCE found staff performed personal errands and campaign tasks during official time, aided family members (including assistance with a son’s federal job application), and that staff were asked to provide gifts for the Lamborns—sometimes under apparent pressure. The Board recommended the House Committee on Ethics further review the matters and issue subpoenas to several non-cooperating witnesses.

19 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsJan 24, 2022

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Marie Newman

The Office of Congressional Ethics reviewed whether Rep. Marie Newman may have promised federal employment to a primary opponent to obtain political support. The OCE found substantial reason to believe Newman entered into a written employment contract with Iymen Chehade promising a congressional staff position if she were elected, and recommends the House Committee on Ethics further review the matter. The OCE also notes Chehade and LBH Chicago declined to cooperate and recommends subpoenas for them.

13 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsNov 29, 2021

OCE Referral Regarding Mr. John Sample

The Office of Congressional Ethics found substantial reason to believe John Sample, a part-time staffer, may have owned a company (Invocq) that received at least $114,189 and that his office also paid $339,497.38 to Abernathy West for franked mail and printing. The OCE says Sample concealed his ownership, some charges appeared above market rates, and Sample and others refused to cooperate; it referred the matter to the House Committee on Ethics for further review and recommended subpoenas. The matter remains a referral for further review.

15 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsOct 21, 2021

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Jim Hagedorn

The Office of Congressional Ethics reviewed allegations that Representative Jim Hagedorn directed nearly $456,686 in official franking and printing funds to two vendors that were owned or controlled by his staff, and that his campaign used a basement office (Suite 7) at little or no rent. The OCE found substantial reason to believe official funds were used to contract with companies linked to staff and that the campaign received below-market office space, and recommended the House Committee on Ethics further review and issue subpoenas.

23 pages
referralReferral·Office of Congressional EthicsOct 21, 2021

OCE Referral Regarding Rep. Tom Malinowski

The Office of Congressional Ethics reviewed Rep. Tom Malinowski for failing to properly file Periodic Transaction Reports (PTRs) for stock trades between 2019 and 2021. The Board found substantial reason to believe he failed to timely and accurately disclose many reportable transactions, noted specific errors and omissions in corrective filings, and recommended the House Committee on Ethics further review the matter. The Board voted 5-1 to refer the matter and the OCE transmitted the report to the Committee on July 23, 2021.

14 pages