The US House ethics panel has extended its investigation into Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over allegations she may have violated congressional rules. The probe centres on payments for the dress she rented to attend the 2021 Met Gala, where she wore a white gown emblazoned with the words 'Tax The Rich'.
The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), a nonpartisan watchdog, released a report on Thursday finding 'substantial reason to believe that she accepted impermissible gifts'. The report states that Ocasio-Cortez was provided with the dress, handbag, shoes, jewellery, hair and makeup services, transportation, and a hotel room for the event.
According to the OCE, Ocasio-Cortez appears to have now paid for the rental value of the attire and related goods and services, but only after the OCE contacted her in connection with the review. 'If Rep. Ocasio-Cortez accepted impermissible gifts, then she may have violated House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law,' the report said.
The OCE board recommended in June 2022 that the House review the allegations. The House Ethics Committee announced in December that it was investigating her, though it did not disclose the subject at the time. Ocasio-Cortez's counsel, David Mitrani, said the congresswoman 'finds these delays unacceptable' and has taken steps to prevent recurrence, but added that the matter 'does not rise to the level of a violation of House Rules or of federal law'.
