Democrat Rep. Ocasio-Cortez faces House Ethics Committee investigation

Democratic New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is under investigation from the House Ethics Committee.

In a statement Wednesday, the committee revealed that it had received a referral regarding the lawmaker from the Office of Congressional Ethics on June 23, 2022.

"Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A), and Committee Rules 17A(b)(1)(A), 17A(c)(1), and 17A(j), the Acting Chairwoman and Acting Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics have jointly decided to extend the matter regarding Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, which was transmitted to the Committee by the Office of Congressional Ethics on June 23, 2022," the statement read.

The committee did not specify the nature of the referral and noted only that the disclosure of the extension was mandatory. It will announce a more detailed course of action following the beginning of the new Congress in January.

A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez told Business Insider that 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 New York Democrat has previously run afoul of congressional financial disclosure rules, failing to submit her personal financial disclosures for 2021 prior to this year's deadline. Her spokesperson acknowledged her late submission in August and observed that she had a 30-day grace period to file the disclosures prior to the levying of any fines.

As the referral was filed in June, prior to the Aug. 13 submission deadline, however, the matter likely does not involve her finances.