‘Substantial Reason To Believe’ AOC Accepted ‘Impermissible Gifts’ With Met Gala Appearance, Ethics Probe Finds
According to a report released by the Office of Congressional Ethics, there are no statewide ethics committees. “substantial cause to believe” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, New York (D-NY), has been accepted “impermissible presents” In connection with her participation at the Met Gala 2021.
In June 2013, the OCE Board unanimously recommended that the House Committee on Ethics investigate Ocasio Cortez’s allegations. “violated House rules, standards for conduct, or federal law.” Per The report.
The report says that “The Board recommends to the Committee that the Committee continue reviewing the above allegation regarding Rep. Ocasio Cortez because there are substantial reasons to believe she accepted impermissible presents associated with her attendance in the Met Gala 2021.”
Leaders from the House Committee on Ethics published the report on Thursday. They claimed they were referred to Ocasio Cortez’s conduct last June. They decided to extend their review of the matter until December 7, 2022. According to a press release.
“The Committee observes that the mere act of conducting further review on a referral and any mandatory disclosure thereof does not in itself indicate that there has been any violation or reflect any judgment on the Committee,” The House Committee on Ethics leaders agreed.
David Mitrani was Ocasio-Cortez’s lawyer. In a response, he wrote that OCE had noted delays in payment to vendors related to congresswoman’s attendance at the Met Gala.
Mitrani stated, “Congresswoman found these delays unacceptable” and has taken multiple steps to ensure such things do not happen again.
He also claimed no ethics violations were discovered in his February 27 letter addressed to the House Committee on Ethics.
“While it is regrettable, this matter does not definitively rise to the level a violation of House Rules, or federal law.” Mitrani wrote. OCE reviewed all communications from Congresswoman and found no evidence that she wanted to avoid these expenses. Contrary to the evidence, Congresswoman knew from the beginning that she would have the expense to pay. She worked closely with the undersigned counsel to ensure her compliance to all ethics rules.
Mitrani concluded, “We are confident that the Committee on Ethics would dismiss this matter.”
The House Committee on Ethics confirmed the investigation after two groups, the American Accountability Foundation and the National Legal and Policy Center (NLPC). OCE has received complaints Ocasio Cortez was accused by receiving gifts that were not allowed under House rules for members attending charity events. The OCE It is also known as “independent, non-partisan entity” It reviews all allegations of misconduct within the House of Representatives. These could then be sent to Committee on Ethics.
OCE reports that Ocasio-Cortez was invited to the Met Gala with Riley Roberts. Tickets for the star-studded event, hosted by Anna Wintour (Vogue editor in chief and Conde Nast global chief editorial officer) were reportedly still available. Costs below $30,000. OcasioCortez wore a “Tax the Rich” Dress by Aurora James, whose Brother Vellies label rented it to them with other items per OCE.
In exchange for attending, Rep. Ocasio Cortez was given a couture gown, handbag and shoes. She was also provided with hair, makeup, and transportation. Riley Roberts received a bowtie and shoes prior to the event.
The report claims that Ocasio Cortez may have not paid thousands of dollars in services for which she stated to OCE.
The report says that “Rep. Ocasio-Cortez seems to have paid for the rental value for the gown she wore to the Met Gala as well as for the goods, services and goods she and her partner received in relation to this September 2021 event,” OCE reached her to discuss the review but payment was not made until that time. Rep. Ocasio Cortez could not have paid several thousand dollars for goods or services that she received in connection to the OCE opening of this review.
According to OCE, Ocasio Cortez stated that he used a campaign worker for his monthly expenses. Ocasio Cortez acknowledged that he used a campaign worker to pay his bills. “there was a ball dropped” The situation was called “deeply regrettable.”
OCE also reported that Janna Vellies (Janna Pea), Janna Vellies (James) and James, all publicists associated to Brother Vellies, refused to cooperate in the review. While the office recommended subpoenas it isn’t clear if the House ethics committee issued any subpoenas.
The Daily Wire reached Brother Vellies in order to obtain his opinion.
The Office of Congressional Ethics published the results of their investigation into Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s 2021 complain. Unanimously, they found that she was given illegal gifts including her Tax the Rich gown, makeup, and jewelry. These items were to accompany her attendance at the Met Gala Ball 2021.
Kamenar said that the House Ethics Committee would review the recommendation to issue subpoenas and impose appropriate penalties on AOC for those parties who refuse to cooperate.”
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