[House Report 117-706]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


                                                Union Calendar No. 522
117th Congress   }                                       {      Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session      }                                       {     117-706
_______________________________________________________________________

                                     


                         SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES

                    ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS


                               __________


                              R E P O R T

                                 of the

                          COMMITTEE ON ETHICS

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]


January 2, 2023.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
              State of the Union and ordered to be printed   
              
              
              
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                 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
                 
50-202                   WASHINGTON : 2023 
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
                          COMMITTEE ON ETHICS

SUSAN WILD, Pennsylvania             MICHAEL GUEST, Mississippi
  Chairwoman                           Acting Ranking Member
DEAN PHILLIPS, Minnesota             DAVE JOYCE, Ohio
VERONICA ESCOBAR, Texas              JOHN H. RUTHERFORD, Florida
MONDAIRE JONES, New York             KELLY ARMSTRONG, North Dakota

                              REPORT STAFF

              Thomas A. Rust, Chief Counsel/Staff Director
               Donna Herbert, Director of Administration
             Brittney Pescatore, Director of Investigations
          Stephanie Richards, Director of Financial Disclosure
        Sarah Myers-Mutschall, Director of Advice and Education
                David Arrojo, Counsel to the Chairwoman
         Kelle Strickland, Counsel to the Acting Ranking Member

                     Caroline Taylor, Investigator
             Nicholas Goranites, Financial Disclosure Clerk
                   Peyton Wilmer, Investigative Clerk
                     Nicholas Long, Staff Assistant
                      Janet Foster, Senior Counsel
                      Tamar Nedzar, Senior Counsel
                    C. Ezekiel Ross, Senior Counsel
                        Sydney Bellwoar, Counsel
                         Melissa Chong, Counsel
                        Christine Gwinn, Counsel  
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                        
                         LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL


                          House of Representatives,
                                       Committee on Ethics,
                                   Washington, DC, January 2, 2023.
Hon. Cheryl L. Johnson,
Clerk, House of Representatives,
Washington, DC.
    Dear Ms. Johnson: Pursuant to clauses 3(a)(2) and 3(b) of 
Rule XI of the Rules of the House of Representatives, we 
herewith transmit the attached Report, ``Summary of Activities 
117th Congress.''
            Sincerely,
                                   Susan Wild,
                                           Chairwoman.
                                   Michael Guest,
                                           Acting Ranking Member. 
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                                           
                            C O N T E N T S

                              ----------                              
OVERVIEW.........................................................     1
  I. INTRODUCTION.....................................................3
 II. ADVICE AND EDUCATION.............................................4
III. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE............................................10
 IV. COMMITTEE RULES.................................................12
 VI. FINE APPEALS....................................................13
VII. DISSEMINATION OF MANIPULATED MEDIA..............................14
VIII.INVESTIGATIONS..................................................15

APPENDIX I: RELEVANT HOUSE RULES.................................    33
APPENDIX II: ADVISORY MEMORANDA..................................    45
APPENDIX III: COMMITTEE RULES....................................   162
APPENDIX IV: PUBLIC STATEMENTS...................................   214























                                                Union Calendar No. 522
117th Congress   }                                       {      Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session      }                                       {     117-706

======================================================================



 
                         SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES 
                    ONE HUNDRED SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS 

                                _______
                                

January 2, 2023.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the 
       State on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

         Ms. Wild and Mr. Guest, from the Committee on Ethics, 
                        submitted the following

                              R E P O R T

                            Acknowledgement

    The Committee acknowledges the tragic loss of its former 
Ranking Member Representative Jackie Walorski of Indiana. 
Ranking Member Walorski's dedication to public service and the 
institution is missed by all.

                                Overview

    The Committee on Ethics (Committee) is tasked with 
interpreting and enforcing the House's ethics rules. The 
Committee has sole jurisdiction over the interpretation of the 
Code of Official Conduct, which governs the acts of House 
Members, officers, and employees. The Committee is the only 
standing House committee with equal numbers of Democratic and 
Republican Members. The Committee's professional staff is 
required by rule to be nonpartisan.
    In the 117th Congress, the Committee was led initially by 
Chairman Theodore E. Deutch and Ranking Member Jackie Walorski 
and then by Chairwoman Susan Wild and Acting Ranking Member 
Michael Guest. The Members appointed at the beginning of the 
Congress were Dean Phillips, Veronica Escobar, Mondaire Jones, 
Dave Joyce, John H. Rutherford, and Kelly Armstrong.
    The Committee's core responsibilities include providing 
training, advice, and education to House Members, officers, and 
employees; reviewing and approving requests to accept 
privately-sponsored travel related to official duties; 
reviewing and certifying all financial disclosure reports 
Members, candidates for the House, officers, and senior staff 
are required to file; and investigating and adjudicating 
allegations of misconduct and violations of rules, laws, or 
other standards of conduct.
    The Committee met 24 times in the 117th Congress, including 
15 times in 2021 and 9 times in 2022.
    Within the scope of its training, advice and education, 
travel, and financial disclosure responsibilities, the 
Committee:
           Issued nearly 750 formal advisory opinions 
        regarding ethics rules;
           Reviewed and approved more than 2,900 
        requests to accept privately-sponsored, officially-
        connected travel;
           Fielded more than 36,000 informal telephone 
        calls, emails, and in-person requests for guidance on 
        ethics issues;
           Released 25 advisory memoranda on various 
        ethics topics to the House;
           Provided training to over 14,000 House 
        Members, officers, and employees each year, and 
        reviewed their certifications for satisfying the 
        House's mandatory training requirements;
           Received nearly 9,400 Financial Disclosure 
        Statements and amendments filed by House Members, 
        officers, senior staff, and House candidates; and
           Received more than 4,000 Periodic 
        Transaction Reports filed by House Members, officers, 
        and senior staff, containing thousands of transactions.
    In the 117th Congress, the Committee also had 
responsibility to consider appeals of fines imposed by the 
Sergeant at Arms pursuant to House Resolutions 38 and 73, and 
House Rule II, clause 3(g). In the 117th Congress, the 
Committee was notified of 111 fines involving 20 Members and 
considered appeals of 47 of those fines.
    In addition, the Committee actively investigates 
allegations against House Members, officers, and employees, 
using a mix of investigative techniques to determine the 
validity of factual allegations, explore potential rules 
violations, and recommend appropriate sanctions and corrective 
actions. The Committee's options for investigating a matter 
include fact-gathering under Committee Rules 16(c) or 18(a), 
the impanelment of investigative subcommittees (ISC), 
consideration of formal complaints, and the review of 
transmittals from the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE). 
Committee review of a matter in any of these formats is an 
``investigation'' under House and Committee rules. Also, it is 
not uncommon for a matter to be investigated by the Committee 
in more than one of these formats over the course of the 
Committee's overall review of that matter. For example, as 
discussed further in this report, from time to time the 
Committee may begin an investigation under Committee Rule 18(a) 
and subsequently determine that it is appropriate to continue 
the investigation through an ISC.
    The initiation or status of an investigative matter may or 
may not be publicly disclosed, depending on the circumstances 
of the individual matter. However, the fact that the Committee 
is investigating a particular matter, opts to investigate a 
matter in one format instead of another, is required or chooses 
to make a public statement regarding a pending investigative 
matter, or that a House Member, officer, or employee is 
referenced in an investigative matter should not be construed 
as a finding or suggestion that the Member, officer, or 
employee has committed any violation of the rules, law, or 
standards of conduct.
    During the 117th Congress, within the scope of its 
investigative responsibilities, the Committee:
           Commenced or continued investigative fact-
        gathering regarding 72 separate investigative matters;
           Impaneled three ISCs, in the matters of 
        Delegate Michael San Nicolas, Representative Jeff 
        Fortenberry, and Representative Madison Cawthorn;
           Held 12 ISC meetings;
           Filed 11 reports with the House totaling 
        approximately 350 pages regarding various investigative 
        matters;
           Publicly addressed 50 matters, described in 
        Section VI of this report;
           Resolved 6 additional matters;
           Conducted 42 voluntary witness interviews;
           Authorized the issuance of 1 subpoena;
           Conducted 1 interview pursuant to subpoena; 
        and
           Reviewed over 125,000 pages of documents.
    There were a total of 26 investigative matters pending 
before the Committee as of January 2, 2023.
    All of the Committee's work as summarized in this report is 
made possible by the Committee's talented professional, 
nonpartisan staff. The Members of the Committee wish to 
acknowledge their hard work and dedication to the Committee and 
the House. In addition, the Committee wishes to thank its 
departing Members for their service and for the thoughtfulness 
and collegiality they showed during their time on the 
Committee.

                            I. INTRODUCTION

    House Rule XI, clause 1(d), requires each committee to 
submit to the House, not later than January 2 of each odd-
numbered year, a report on the activities of that committee 
under that rule and House Rule X. This report summarizes the 
activities of the Committee for the entirety of the 117th 
Congress.
    The jurisdiction of the Committee on Ethics is defined in 
clauses 3(g), 4(d)(1) and 6(c)(5) of House Rule II, clauses 
1(g) and 11(g)(4) of House Rule X, clause 3 of House Rule XI, 
and clause 5(h) of House Rule XXV. The text of those provisions 
is attached as Appendix I to this Report.
    In addition, a number of provisions of statutory law confer 
authority on the Committee. Specifically, for purposes of the 
statutes on gifts to federal employees (5 U.S.C. Sec. 7353) and 
gifts to superiors (5 U.S.C. Sec. 7351), both the Committee and 
the House of Representatives are the ``supervising ethics 
office'' of House Members, officers, and employees. In 
addition, as discussed further in Part III below, for House 
Members, officers, and employees, the Committee is both the 
``supervising ethics office'' with regard to financial 
disclosure under the Ethics in Government Act (EIGA) (5 U.S.C. 
app. Sec. Sec. 101 et seq.) and the ``employing agency'' for 
certain purposes under the Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act (5 
U.S.C. Sec. 7342). The outside employment and earned income 
limitations of the EIGA are administered by the Committee with 
respect to House Members, officers, and employees (5 U.S.C. 
app. Sec. 503(1)(A)). Finally, the notification of negotiation 
and recusal requirements created by the Honest Leadership and 
Open Government Act (HLOGA) are administered, in part, by the 
Committee.

                        II. ADVICE AND EDUCATION

    Pursuant to a provision of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (2 
U.S.C. Sec. 4711(i)), the Committee maintains an Office of 
Advice and Education, which is staffed as directed by the 
Committee's Chair and Ranking Member. Under the statute, the 
primary responsibilities of the Office include the following:
           Providing information and guidance to House 
        Members, officers, and employees on the laws, rules, 
        and other standards of conduct applicable to them in 
        their official capacities;
           Drafting responses to specific advisory 
        opinion requests received from House Members, officers, 
        and employees, and submitting them to the Chair and 
        Ranking Member for review and approval;
           Drafting advisory memoranda on the ethics 
        rules for general distribution to House Members, 
        officers, and employees, and submitting them to the 
        Chair and Ranking Member, or the full Committee, for 
        review and approval; and
           Developing and conducting educational 
        briefings for House Members, officers, and employees.
    The duties of the Office of Advice and Education are also 
addressed in Committee Rule 3, which sets out additional 
requirements and procedures for the issuance of Committee 
advisory opinions.
    Under Committee Rule 3(j), the Committee will keep 
confidential any request for advice from a Member, officer, or 
employee, as well as any response to such a request. As a 
further inducement to House Members, officers, and employees to 
seek Committee advice whenever they have any uncertainty on the 
applicable laws, rules, or standards, statutory law (2 U.S.C. 
Sec. 4711(i)(4)) provides that no information provided to the 
Committee by a Member or staff person when seeking advice on 
prospective conduct may be used as a basis for initiating a 
Committee investigation if the individual acts in accordance 
with the Committee's written advice. In the same vein, 
Committee Rule 3(k) provides that the Committee may take no 
adverse action in regard to any conduct that has been 
undertaken in reliance on a written opinion of the Committee if 
the conduct conforms to the specific facts addressed in the 
opinion. Committee Rule 3(l) also precludes the Committee from 
using information provided to the Committee by a requesting 
individual ``seeking advice regarding prospective conduct . . . 
as the basis for initiating an investigation,'' provided that 
the requesting individual ``acts in good faith in accordance 
with the written advice of the Committee.'' In addition, the 
Committee understands that federal courts may consider the good 
faith reliance of a House Member, officer, or employee on 
written Committee advice as a defense to Justice Department 
prosecution regarding certain statutory violations.\1\
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    \1\For example, a federal court held that it is a complete defense 
to a prosecution for conduct assertedly in violation of a related 
federal criminal strict-liability statute (18 U.S.C. Sec. 208) that the 
conduct was undertaken in good faith reliance upon erroneous legal 
advice received from the official's supervising ethics office. United 
States v. Hedges, 912 F.2d 1397, 1403 n.2 (11th Cir. 1990).
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    The Committee believes that a broad, active program for 
advice and education is an extremely important means for 
attaining understanding of, and compliance with, the ethics 
rules. The specifics of the Committee's efforts in the areas of 
publications, briefings, and advisory opinion letters during 
the 117th Congress are set forth below. In addition, on a daily 
basis, Committee staff attorneys provided informal advice in 
response to inquiries received from Members, staff persons, and 
third parties in telephone calls and e-mails directed to the 
Committee office, as well as in person. During the 117th 
Congress, Committee attorneys responded to more than 36,000 
phone calls and e-mail messages seeking advice, and 
participated in many informal meetings with Members, House 
staff, or outside individuals or groups regarding specific 
ethics matters.

                              PUBLICATIONS

    The Committee's major publication is the House Ethics 
Manual. The Manual provides detailed explanations of all 
aspects of the ethics rules and statutes applicable to House 
Members, officers, and employees. Topics covered by the Manual 
include the acceptance of gifts or travel, campaign activity, 
casework, outside employment, and involvement with official and 
outside organizations. In the 117th Congress, the Committee 
issued an updated print of the Manual, including revised travel 
and gift sections. The Committee also updated the Highlights of 
the House Ethics Rules. All current Committee publications, 
including the House Ethics Manual 2022 Print and the Highlights 
of the House Ethics Rules 2022 Print, are available from the 
Committee's office and their text is posted in a mobile-
friendly searchable format on the Committee's website: https://
ethics.house.gov.
    The Committee updates and expands upon the materials in the 
Manual, as well as highlights matters of particular concern, 
through the issuance of general advisory memoranda to all House 
Members, officers, and employees. The memoranda issued during 
the 117th Congress were as follows:
           The 2021 Outside Earned Income Limit and 
        Salaries Triggering the Financial Disclosure 
        Requirement and Post-Employment Restrictions Applicable 
        to House Officers and Employees (February 8, 2021);
           Ethics Guidance Regarding Financial Interest 
        in Funding Requests (April 12, 2021);
           Upcoming Financial Disclosure Filing 
        Deadline & Automatic Extension (April 26, 2021);
           Reminder of Financial Disclosure Filing 
        Deadline & Assistance Available (July 19, 2021);
           Reminder of Financial Disclosure Filing 
        Deadline (August 6, 2021);
           Reminder of Financial Disclosure Filing 
        Deadline (August 10, 2021);
           Joint Afghanistan Guidance (August 30, 
        2021);
           Important Information Relating to Hurricane 
        Ida (September 10, 2021);
           Joint Guidance Regarding Redistricting 
        (September 10, 2021);
           Reminder about Annual Ethics Training 
        Requirements for 2021 (December 3, 2021);
           Joint Guidance Regarding Important 
        Information Relating to Central U.S. Tornados (December 
        14, 2021);
           Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act CY2021 
        Reporting (December 15, 2021);
           The 2022 Outside Earned Income Limit and 
        Salaries Triggering the Financial Disclosure 
        Requirement and Post-Employment Restrictions Applicable 
        to House Officers and Employees (January 13, 2022);
           Joint Guidance Regarding Ukraine 
        Humanitarian Relief Efforts (March 4, 2022);
           Upcoming Financial Disclosure Clinics & 
        Training (April 14, 2022);
           Guest Policy Change and Reminder of Gift 
        Rules for Attendance at Events (September 19, 2022);
           Annual Member Ethics Training Now Live 
        (September 22, 2022);
           Joint Guidance Relating to Hurricanes Fiona 
        and Ian (September 29, 2022);
           Upcoming Live Ethics Training Session 
        (October 7, 2022);
           Two Upcoming Live, In-Person Ethics Training 
        Sessions (October 24, 2022);
           Member Swearing-in Events (November 29, 
        2022);
           Reminder about Annual Ethics Training 
        Requirement for 2022 (December 15, 2022);
           Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act CY 2022 
        Reporting Reminder (December 15, 2022);
           Negotiations for Future Employment and 
        Restrictions on Post-Employment for House Members and 
        Officers (December 15, 2022); and
           Negotiations for Future Employment and 
        Restrictions on Post-Employment for House Staff 
        (December 15, 2022).
    A copy of each of these advisory memoranda is included as 
Appendix II to this Report.
    The Committee also submits a report each month of the 
Committee's activities to the Committee on House Administration 
(CHA). Finally, with this report, the Committee has sought to 
provide as much transparency as is appropriate. In addition to 
the many numbers referred to throughout this report, the 
Committee publishes the following summary chart in the interest 
of transparency.

[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                            ETHICS TRAINING

    Clause 3(a)(6) of House Rule XI, which originated in the 
110th Congress, requires all House Members and employees to 
complete ethics training each calendar year, pursuant to 
guidelines to be issued by the Committee. The House rules and 
Committee's guidelines require each House employee to complete 
one hour of ethics training each calendar year. The guidelines 
also require all House employees who are paid at the ``senior 
staff rate'' to complete an additional hour of training once 
each Congress on issues primarily of interest to senior 
staff.\2\ Rule XI requires new House Members and employees to 
complete ethics training within 60 days of the commencement of 
their service to the House.\3\
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    \2\In 2022, the senior staff rate was $135,468 per year, or a 
monthly salary above $11,289. This figure is subject to change each 
year, and the Committee issues a general advisory memorandum to all 
House Members, officers, and employees announcing changes in this and 
other salary thresholds relevant to ethics rules.
    \3\The requirement that new Members receive training within 60 days 
of commencement of their service to the House was added to House Rule 
XI in the 114th Congress.
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    Pursuant to its obligations under Rule XI, the Committee 
held 49 ethics training sessions during 2021 and 33 during 
2022. During the 117th Congress, all Members, officers, and 
employees were permitted to fulfill their training requirement 
either through attending a training session in person or by 
viewing an on-line presentation. The training sessions for new 
Members and employees provided a general summary of the House 
ethics rules in all areas, such as gifts, travel, campaign 
activity, casework, involvement with outside entities, and 
outside employment. The live and on-line sessions for existing 
Members and employees covered specific topics, such as gifts 
and travel or campaign work, on a more in-depth basis. The 
Committee also had several different options that senior staff 
could use to fulfill their requirement of one additional hour 
of training. The on-line training provided a general overview 
of ethics rules of particular interest to senior staff. The 
live training sessions focused in depth on a single topic of 
importance for senior staff.
    In 2021, the Committee trained 310 employees at live ethics 
briefings, and more than 14,700 used one of the on-demand 
training options. During 2022, the Committee trained 630 
employees at live ethics briefings, and more than 14,200 
through one of the on-demand training options. The total number 
of employees who completed ethics training for 2022 will be 
determined after January 31, 2023, the date that House Rule XI 
established as the deadline for employees to certify completion 
of the ethics training requirement for 2022.
    In addition to the training required under House Rule XI, 
the Committee also provided training in several other contexts. 
The House will include 74 new Members in the 118th Congress, 
most of whom have not previously served in the House. The 
Committee made a presentation to the Members-elect of the 118th 
Congress during New Member Orientation and participated in two 
issue-specific panels. The Committee also met with numerous 
departing Members and staff to counsel them on the ethics rules 
related to their transition to private life and the post-
employment restrictions. The Committee also provided training 
open to all House Members, officers, and employees on the 
financial disclosure rules, which are discussed further in 
Section III.
    Committee staff also participated in approximately 5 
briefings sponsored by or held for the members of outside 
organizations. In addition, Committee staff led approximately 6 
briefings for visiting international dignitaries from a variety 
of countries, including North Macedonia, Ukraine, and Kosovo.

                        ADVISORY OPINION LETTERS

    The Committee's Office of Advice and Education, under the 
direction and supervision of the Committee's Chair and Ranking 
Member, prepared and issued 663 private advisory opinions 
during the 117th Congress: 380 in 2021 and 283 in 2022.
    Opinions issued by the Committee in the 117th Congress 
addressed a wide range of subjects, including various 
provisions of the gift rule, Member or staff participation in 
fund-raising activities of charities and for other purposes, 
the outside earned income and employment limitations, campaign 
activity by staff, and the post-employment restrictions.

                        TRAVEL APPROVAL LETTERS

    As discussed above, House Rule XXV, clause 5(d)(2), which 
was enacted at the start of the 110th Congress, charged each 
House Member or employee with obtaining approval of the 
Committee prior to undertaking any travel paid for by a private 
source on matters connected to the individual's House duties. 
Since 2007, the Committee has conducted a thorough review of 
each proposed privately-sponsored trip.
    Committee approval of a proposed trip does not reflect an 
endorsement of the trip sponsor or a determination regarding 
the safety or security of a proposed trip. Instead, Committee 
approval is limited to the question of whether the proposed 
trip complies with the relevant laws, rules, or regulations. To 
that end, the Committee's nonpartisan, professional staff 
recommends changes where necessary to bring a proposed trip 
into compliance with relevant laws, rules, or regulations and, 
on occasion, informs House Members and employees that a 
proposed trip is not permissible. The Committee recognizes both 
the significant benefit the public receives when their 
Representatives and their Representatives' staff receive hands-
on education and experience, as well as the mandate that 
outside groups be appropriately limited in what gifts and 
support they are allowed to provide to Members of Congress and 
congressional staff.
    The Committee is directed by House Rules to develop and 
revise as necessary guidelines and regulations governing the 
acceptance of privately-sponsored, officially-connected travel 
by House Members, officers, and employees.\4\ The Committee 
issued initial travel regulations in a pair of memoranda dated 
February 20 and March 14, 2007. At the end of the 112th 
Congress, the Committee adopted new travel regulations (Travel 
Regulations). The new Travel Regulations were issued on 
December 27, 2012, and were effective for all trips beginning 
on or after April 1, 2013. In the 116th Congress, the Committee 
adopted revised Travel Regulations and FGDA Regulations. The 
new Travel Regulations were effective for all trips starting on 
or after April 1, 2021. In general, the Committee requires that 
any House Member, officer, or employee who wishes to accept an 
offer of privately-sponsored, officially-connected travel must 
submit all required paperwork to the Committee at least 30 days 
prior to the start of the trip.\5\ However, the 30-day 
requirement does not apply to certain types of trips, and the 
Committee retains authority to approve requests submitted after 
that deadline in exceptional circumstances.\6\ When the 
Committee opts to approve a request filed after the general 
deadline, the approval letter sent to the traveler--which must 
ultimately be publicly disclosed--notes that fact.
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    \4\House Rule XXV, clause 5(i).
    \5\Travel Regulations at Part 500--Committee Approval Process.
    \6\ Id. at Sec. 501.1.
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    Under the travel approval process established by the 
Committee to implement this rule, the Committee reviewed more 
than 1,200 requests to accept privately-sponsored, officially-
connected travel, and issued letters approving more than 1,000 
such requests in 2021. In 2022, the Committee reviewed over 
2,100 requests to accept privately-sponsored, officially-
connected travel, and issued letters approving over 1,800 such 
requests.
    House Rules and the Committee's Travel Regulations require 
all House Members, officers, and employees who receive 
Committee approval to accept privately-sponsored, officially-
connected travel to file detailed paperwork about the trip with 
the Clerk within 15 days of the conclusion of the trip.\7\ The 
Committee also reviewed the post-travel disclosure forms filed 
by the traveler for each approved trip and requested amendments 
or other remedial action by the traveler when deemed 
necessary.\8\
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    \7\House Rule XXV, clause 5(b)(1)(A)(ii); Travel Regulations at 
Part 600--Post-Travel Disclosure.
    \8\From time to time, a traveler may inadvertently fail to file all 
of the required paperwork with their post-travel submission. That is 
not an indication that the information was not provided to the 
Committee prior to the trip and before the Committee approved the 
request, only that the traveler's subsequent submission was incomplete.
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    The post-travel filings are made available to the public in 
a searchable online database on the Clerk's website, at http://
clerk.house.gov/public_disc/giftTravel-search.aspx. The public, 
the media, and outside groups have used this valuable resource 
for years, and the Committee anticipates that they will 
continue to do so. The Committee requires those Members, 
officers, and employees who are required to file financial 
disclosure statements, as discussed in Section III, to also 
provide information about privately-sponsored, officially-
connected travel on their financial disclosure filings, but the 
public should be aware that much more detailed and timely 
public filings regarding such travel are required, and the most 
authoritative source of those filings is the Clerk's website.

                       III. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

    Title I of the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 (EIGA), as 
amended (5 U.S.C. app. Sec. Sec. 101-111), requires certain 
officials in all branches of the federal government, as well as 
candidates for federal office, to file publicly-available 
Financial Disclosure Statements (Statements). These Statements 
disclose information concerning the filer's finances, as well 
as those of certain family members. By May 15 of each year, 
these ``covered individuals'' are required to file a Statement 
that provides information for the preceding calendar year. In 
addition, the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act 
(STOCK Act) amended EIGA in 2012 to add a requirement that 
financial disclosure filers must report certain securities 
transactions over $1,000 within 30 days of notice, but no later 
than 45 days after the transaction. The Committee has termed 
these interim reports ``Periodic Transaction Reports'' or 
``PTRs.''
    Financial disclosure filings are not intended to be net 
worth statements, nor are they well suited to that purpose. As 
the Commission on Administrative Review of the 95th Congress 
stated in recommending broader financial disclosure 
requirements: ``The objectives of financial disclosure are to 
inform the public about the financial interests of government 
officials in order to increase public confidence in the 
integrity of government and to deter potential conflicts of 
interest.''\9\
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    \9\House Comm'n on Admin. Review, Financial Ethics, H. Doc. 95-73, 
96th Cong., 1st Sess. 6 (1977).
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    All Members of the House, including Members who are serving 
the first year of their first term, are required to file a 
Statement. In addition, any officer or employee of the House 
who was paid at or above 120 percent of the minimum pay for 
Executive Branch GS-15 (the ``senior staff'' rate) for at least 
60 days in a calendar year must file a Statement on or before 
May 15 of the following year. Certain other employees, 
including those designated by a Member as a ``principal 
assistant'' for financial disclosure purposes and employees who 
are shared staff of three or more offices, are also subject to 
some financial disclosure filing requirements.
    Starting in 2013, financial disclosure filers were able to 
use an online electronic filing system to draft and submit 
their Statements and PTRs. Thanks to a very industrious 
collaboration with the Clerk of the House to create the online 
system, and extensive outreach and education, nearly all 
Members and staff used the online electronic filing system to 
submit their calendar year 2021 Statements. Specifically, 95% 
of Members and House staff used the online system to draft and 
submit their 2021 Statements.
    The Committee engages in substantial training efforts to 
assist filers with completing their Statements and PTRs. In 
2021, the Committee held two briefings for Members, officers, 
and employees. In 2022, the Committee held three briefings for 
Members, officers, and employees and three walk-in clinics to 
support filers' use of the electronic filing system for 
Statements and PTRs.
    For the 117th Congress, the Committee continued its long-
standing practice of Committee staff meeting with Members, 
officers, and employees of the House to assist filers with 
their Statements and PTRs. Committee staff responded to 
telephone, e-mail, and in-person questions from filers on an 
as-needed basis, in addition to reviewing drafts of Statements 
and PTRs. The Committee encourages all financial disclosure 
filers to avail themselves of opportunities to seek and receive 
information and assistance.
    For calendar year 2021, the Legislative Resource Center of 
the Clerk's office referred a total of 4,048 Financial 
Disclosure Statements to the Committee for review. Of those, 
3,405 were Statements filed by current or new House Members or 
employees, and 643 were Statements filed by candidates for the 
House. The Clerk's office also referred a total of 1,514 PTRs 
to the Committee for review. The Committee received 653 PTRs 
from Members and 861 PTRs from officers and employees.
    For calendar year 2022, the Legislative Resource Center of 
the Clerk's office referred a total of 4,596 Statements to the 
Committee for review.\10\ Of those, 3,597 were Statements filed 
by current or new House Members or employees, and 999 were 
Statements filed by candidates for the House. The Clerk's 
office also referred a total of 1,397 PTRs to the Committee for 
review. The Committee received 590 PTRs from Members and 807 
PTRs from officers and employees.
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    \10\In 2021, due to the unprecedented challenges created by the 
COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee exercised its authority under EIGA to 
automatically grant all House Members and employees who were required 
to file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement the full 90-day 
extension permitted by law.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Where the Committee's review indicated that a filed 
Statement or PTR was deficient, the Committee requested an 
amendment from the filer. Such amendments are routine and, 
without evidence of a knowing or willful violation, the 
Committee will usually take no further action after the 
amendment has been filed. Amendments are made publicly 
available in the same manner as other financial disclosure 
filings. The Committee also followed up with filers whose 
Statements indicated non-compliance with applicable law, such 
as the outside employment and outside earned income 
limitations.
    On February 28, 2022, and March 2, 2022, the Committee 
received referrals from the Office of Congressional Ethics 
(OCE) regarding allegations that several Members may have 
failed to timely file Periodic Transaction Reports (PTRs) for 
various reportable transactions. These referrals are discussed 
in more detail below. The Committee voted to dismiss the 
referrals. The Committee concluded that there was not clear 
evidence that the errors and omissions in the Members' PTRs 
were knowing or willful and that the Members were generally 
unclear on the requirements relating to PTR filings. The 
Committee worked with each Member, and they all made diligent 
efforts to take appropriate remedial actions and ensure their 
continued compliance with applicable financial disclosure 
requirements. Accurate and timely FD filings are an important 
part of the House's conflict of interest protections, and the 
Committee takes the statutory FD requirements and its oversight 
of them very seriously. The Committee is working to address 
various programmatic issues raised by the referrals.
    More information about financial disclosure, including the 
Committee's instruction booklet for filers and blank copies of 
Statement and PTR forms, is available on the Committee's 
website, at https://ethics.house.gov/financial-dislosure. In 
addition, financial disclosure filings of Members and 
candidates and other information about financial disclosure is 
available on the Clerk's website, at http://clerk.house.gov/
public_disc/financial.aspx.

                          IV. COMMITTEE RULES

    After the beginning of each Congress, the Committee must 
adopt rules for that Congress. On February 25, 2021, the 
Committee met and adopted the Committee rules for the 117th 
Congress. The substance of the Committee rules for the 117th 
Congress was largely identical to the amended rules adopted in 
the 116th Congress.\11\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \11\In the 112th Congress, as a result of the efforts of a working 
group formed to assess the Committee's rules and procedures, numerous 
changes were made to the Committee's investigative rules, including 
changes to Committee Rules 4, 9, 17A, 18, 19 and 23. Those changes were 
adopted by the Committee on May 18, 2012. House Comm. on Ethics, 
Summary of Activities One Hundred Twelfth Congress, H. Rept. 112-730, 
112th Cong. 2nd Sess. 21 (2012).
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    A copy of the Committee Rules for the 117th Congress is 
included as Appendix III to this Report.

                            VI. FINE APPEALS

    On January 12, 2021, the House passed House Resolution 38, 
which stated, in part, that during a period in which the 
Speaker has announced a public health emergency due to a novel 
coronavirus to be in effect, ``the Sergeant-at-Arms [(SAA)] is 
authorized and directed to impose a fine against a Member, 
Delegate, or the Resident Commissioner for the failure to wear 
a mask in contravention of the Speaker's announced policies of 
January 4, 2021.''\12\ A fine imposed under House Resolution 38 
``shall be treated as though imposed under clause 3(g) of rule 
II.''\13\ The relevant portion of House Rule II, adopted in the 
115th Congress, establishes a process for fines imposed by the 
SAA against Members for the use of electronic devices to take 
recordings on the House floor; the Rule provides for a $500 
fine for the first offense and a $2,500 fine for any subsequent 
offense. Under House Rule II, a Member who is fined by the SAA 
pursuant to that rule ``may appeal the fine in writing to the 
Committee on Ethics not later than 30 calendar days'' after 
notification of the fine.\14\ The Committee has 30 calendar 
days to consider the appeal, and a fine will be upheld unless 
the appeal is agreed to by a majority of the Committee.\15\ 
Upon a determination regarding the appeal, the Chair of the 
Committee shall notify the Member, the Speaker, the SAA, and 
the Chief Administrative Officer, and shall make the 
notification publicly available.\16\
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    \12\H. Res. 38 Sec. 4(a)(1) (117th Cong.).
    \13\See id. Sec. 4(a)(2); see also H. Res. 85 Sec. 8(b) (117th 
Cong.).
    \14\House Rule II, clause 3(g)(3)(B).
    \15\House Rule II, clause 3(g)(3)(C).
    \16\Id.
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    On February 2, 2021, the House passed House Resolution 73, 
which directed the SAA to fine Members for failure to complete 
security screening prior to entrance to the House Chamber. 
Fines pursuant to House Resolution 73 operated in a similar 
manner to fines pursuant to House Resolution 38. A Member who 
was fined pursuant to House Resolution 73 could appeal the fine 
to the Committee; the Committee had 30 days to consider any 
appeal; if a majority of the Committee did not agree to the 
appeal within that time, the fine was upheld; and upon a 
determination on the appeal, the Chair of the Committee was 
directed to notify the Member, the Speaker, the SAA, and the 
Chief Administrative Officer, and to make the notification 
publicly available.\17\ Unlike House Resolution 38 fines, the 
Chair of the Committee was also required to make public the 
initial notification of the fine, prior to the Committee's 
determination on the matter.\18\ House Resolution 73 also 
provided for a $5,000 fine for the first offense and a $10,000 
fine for any subsequent offense.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \17\H. Res. 73. Sec. 1(a)-(b) (117th Cong.).
    \18\H. Res. 73. Sec. 1(a)(3) (117th Cong.).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Implementation and adjudication of the fine appeal process 
under House Resolution 38 and House Resolution 73 was a 
significant drain on the Committee's resources in the 117th 
Congress. On March 9, 2021, the Committee adopted its ``Special 
Policies and Procedures Relating to Fine Notifications and 
Appeals.'' The SAA sent the Committee 101 notifications of 
fines pursuant to House Resolution 38 and 10 notifications of 
fines pursuant to House Resolution 73. The Committee received 
37 timely appeals of fines pursuant to House Resolution 38 and 
10 timely appeals of fines pursuant to House Resolution 73. The 
Committee held 5 executive session meetings in which 9 Members 
met with the Committee to present their arguments for their 
appeal. The Committee voted on each timely appeal, including 
holding votes at 11 executive session meetings. A majority of 
the Members of the Committee did not agree to the any of the 
appeals of fines pursuant to House Resolution 38. A majority of 
the Members agreed to six appeals of fines pursuant to House 
Resolution 73.

                VII. DISSEMINATION OF MANIPULATED MEDIA

    On January 8, 2021, the House passed House Resolution 8, 
which stated, in part, that the Committee was directed to 
report to the House, not later than December 31, 2021, any 
recommended amendments to the Code of Official Conduct, as well 
as any accompanying regulations, intended to address the 
circumstances and instances, if any, for which a Member, 
Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the 
House ``may be subject to discipline for dissemination by 
electronic means, including by social media, of any image, 
video, or audio file that has been distorted or manipulated 
with the intent to mislead the public.''\19\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \19\H. Res. 8 Sec. 3(y) (117th Cong.).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Committee did not recommend any amendments to the Code 
of Official Conduct or any accompanying regulations. However, 
the Committee has previously issued guidance on this topic.
    On January 28, 2020, the Committee circulated a general 
advisory opinion to the House community addressing the 
``Intentional Use of Audio-Visual Distortions & Deep 
Fakes.''\20\ In that general advisory opinion, the Committee 
advised that Members ``must exercise care in communicating, 
especially when using electronic communication[.]''\21\ The 
Committee explained that ``Members have a duty, and a First 
Amendment right, to contribute to the public discourse, 
including through parody and satire. However, manipulation of 
images and videos that are intended to mislead the public can 
harm the discourse and reflect discreditably on the House,'' 
and ``Members, officers, and employees posting deep fakes or 
other audio-visual distortions intended to mislead the public 
may be in violation of the Code of Official Conduct.''\22\ 
Accordingly, the Committee advised that ``[p]rior to 
disseminating any image, video, or audio file by electronic 
means, including social media, Members and staff are expected 
to take reasonable efforts to consider whether such 
representations are deep fakes or intentionally distorted to 
mislead the public.''\23\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \20\Comm. on Ethics, Intentional Use of Audio-Visual Distortions & 
Deep Fakes (Jan. 28, 2020).
    \21\Id. at 1.
    \22\Id.
    \23\Id. at 2.
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                          VIII. INVESTIGATIONS

    Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution grants each 
chamber of Congress the power to ``punish its Members for 
disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, 
expel a Member.'' The Committee is designated by House rule as 
the body which conducts the investigative and adjudicatory 
functions which usually precede a vote by the full House 
regarding such punishment or expulsion. House Rule XI, clause 
3, as well as Committee Rules 13 through 28, describe specific 
guidelines and procedures for the exercise of that authority.
    As a general matter, the Committee's investigative 
jurisdiction extends to current House Members, officers and 
employees.\24\ When a Member, officer, or employee, who is the 
subject of a Committee investigation, resigns, the Committee 
loses jurisdiction over the individual. In the 117th Congress, 
four individuals resigned from the House while the Committee 
had an open investigation regarding them.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \24\House Rule XI, clause 3(a)(2).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Committee may not undertake an investigation of an 
alleged violation that occurred before the third previous 
Congress unless the Committee determines that the alleged 
violation is directly related to an alleged violation that 
occurred in a more recent Congress.\25\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \25\House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(3).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In most cases, the Committee only investigates matters that 
allegedly occurred while the individual was a House Member, 
officer, or employee. However, the Committee has asserted 
jurisdiction over alleged conduct that may have violated laws, 
regulations, or standards of conduct, which occurred prior to a 
Member's swearing-in but in connection with a successful 
campaign for the House of Representatives. Further, the 
Committee is required to investigate whenever a Member, 
officer, or employee of the House is convicted of a felony, 
regardless of whether the underlying conduct occurred while the 
individual was a Member, officer, or employee of the House.
    As a general matter, the Committee's investigations are 
conducted either pursuant to authorization by the Chair and 
Ranking Member, under Committee Rule 18(a), or pursuant to a 
vote by the Committee to impanel an ISC. Most investigations 
are conducted pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).\26\ Even those 
investigations that ultimately result in the formation of an 
ISC usually begin as Committee Rule 18(a) investigations. 
Committee Rule 18(a) and ISC investigations differ only in 
process, not substance. In both kinds of investigations, 
Committee staff is authorized by Members of the Committee to 
interview witnesses, request documents and information, and 
engage in other investigative actions. Further, both the 
Committee and ISC may authorize subpoenas for documents and 
witness testimony.\27\ Members of the Committee can, and do, 
attend and participate in voluntary interviews with witnesses 
in both 18(a) and ISC investigations.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \26\An investigation of a formal complaint or information offered 
as a complaint pursuant to Committee Rule 15 is conducted pursuant to a 
similar rule, Committee Rule 16(c), until an ISC is impaneled or the 
question of whether to impanel one is placed on the Committee's agenda.
    \27\The mechanism for issuing a subpoena by the Committee or an ISC 
does differ. Where an ISC has been impaneled, it can authorize a 
subpoena, to be signed by the Committee's Chair and Ranking Member. If 
the investigation is at the Committee Rule 18(a) stage, the full 
Committee can vote to issue a subpoena to be signed by the Chair.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Committee may opt to investigate a matter under 
Committee Rule 18(a) rather than an ISC for a number of 
reasons. For example, investigating pursuant to Committee Rule 
18(a) preserves the Committee's ability both to deploy its 
limited resources in the most efficient manner possible, and to 
maintain the confidentiality of its investigations. In general, 
the Committee publicly announces when it has voted to impanel 
an ISC. In contrast, most investigations conducted pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a) are confidential. Maintaining the 
confidentiality of investigations minimizes the risk of 
interference and protects the identities of complainants. 
Indeed, in past investigations, employees of a Member have 
brought allegations of misconduct to the Committee when they 
have remained in the employ of the Member and faced 
intimidation or reprisal.\28\ Maintaining a confidential 
investigation also avoids unnecessarily tarnishing a Member's 
reputation before a determination of wrongdoing has been made.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \28\See, e.g., House Comm. on Ethics, In the Matter of Allegations 
Relating to Representative Laura Richardson, H. Rept. 112-642, 112th 
Cong. 2d Sess. (2012).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The fact that an investigation is conducted in a 
confidential manner does not preclude the Committee from making 
a public statement at the end of the investigation. For 
example, in recent Congresses, the Committee has issued public 
reports to the House and/or letters of reproval in a number of 
investigative matters that were initiated by the Committee and 
that had not previously been publicly disclosed by the 
Committee.\29\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \29\See, e.g., House Comm. on Ethics, In the Matter of Allegations 
Relating to Elizabeth Esty, H. Rept 115-1093, 115th Cong. 2d Sess. 
(2018); House Comm. on Ethics, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to 
Representative David McKinley, H. Rept. 114-795, 114th Cong. 2d Sess. 
(2016); House Comm. on Ethics, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to 
Representative Phil Gingrey, H. Rept. 113-664, 113th Cong. 2d Sess. 
(2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Whether the Committee investigates a matter under Committee 
Rule 18(a) or through an ISC, by rule, the Committee may choose 
to exercise its investigative authority in several different 
scenarios.\30\ However, most Committee investigations begin 
when the Committee, on its own initiative, undertakes an 
investigation. In the 117th Congress, the Committee commenced 
or continued investigative fact-gathering regarding 72 separate 
investigative matters, most of which were begun at the 
Committee's initiative. Those matters also included referrals 
from the OCE. In the 117th Congress, the OCE referred 18 
matters to the Committee, 15 with a recommendation for further 
review, 2 with a recommendation that all of the allegations be 
dismissed, and one that was referred without a recommendation 
due to a tie vote of OCE's Board.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \30\Specifically, the Committee may exercise its investigative 
authority when: (1) information offered as a complaint by a Member of 
the House of Representatives is transmitted directly to the Committee; 
(2) information offered as a complaint by an individual not a Member of 
the House is transmitted to the Committee, provided that a Member of 
the House certifies in writing that such Member believes the 
information is submitted in good faith and warrants the review and 
consideration of the Committee; (3) the Committee, on its own 
initiative, undertakes an investigation; (4) a Member, officer, or 
employee is convicted in a Federal, State, or local court of a felony; 
(5) the House of Representatives, by resolution, authorizes or directs 
the Committee to undertake an inquiry or investigation; or (6) a 
referral from the OCE is transmitted to the Committee. See Committee 
Rule 14(a).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In the 116th Congress, the House issued a reprimand and a 
fine at the recommendation of the Committee and an 
investigative subcommittee in one matter. The Committee also 
issued a reproval in one matter. Including those two matters, 
since 2008, the Committee has recommended that the House issue 
a censure in one matter, recommended in two matters that the 
House issue a reprimand, and issued 15 reprovals. Nine of those 
resolutions followed investigations initiated by the Committee 
under its own authority, while nine of those resolutions 
followed recommendations by the OCE that the Committee review 
the allegations. In addition to these formal sanctions, the 
Committee has admonished 6 Members, officers, and employees 
since 2008.\31\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \31\An admonishment is not a formal sanction of the Committee or 
the House. It is a warning that certain conduct can be found in 
violation of House Rules and potentially lead to sanction.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The OCE is an independent office within the House created 
by a House resolution in the 110th Congress after the release 
of a report of the Democratic Members of the Special Ethics 
Task Force on Ethics Enforcement (Task Force Report).\32\ 
According to the Task Force Report, the OCE Board has the 
responsibility to review information on allegations of 
misconduct by Members, officers, and employees of the House and 
make recommendations to the Committee for the Committee's 
official consideration and action.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \32\Special Task Force on Ethics Enforcement, Report of the 
Democratic Members of the Special Task Force on Ethics Enforcement, (H. 
Rept. 110-1, 110th Cong. 1st Sess.) (Comm. Print 2007).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Two OCE Board members may initiate a review by notifying 
all other OCE Board members in writing. The OCE Board then has 
30 calendar days to consider the matter in a preliminary review 
phase and may vote to either terminate the review or progress 
to the second-phase review. Once in the second phase, the OCE 
Board has 45 calendar days (with a possible one-time extension 
of 14 days) to complete consideration of the matter and refer 
it to the Committee with a recommendation for dismissal, 
further review, or as unresolved due to a tie vote. The OCE 
Board's referral may not contain any conclusions regarding the 
validity of the allegations upon which it is based or the guilt 
or innocence of the individual who is the subject of the 
review. The Task Force believed that ``the timeline 
requirements instituted by the new process are critical: 
matters will spend at most three months under consideration by 
the Board of the OCE before being referred to the Committee for 
resolution.''\33\ The Task Force considered whether to give the 
OCE either direct or indirect subpoena power. But the Task 
Force Report ultimately decided not to give the OCE subpoena 
power based on a number of factors. Instead, the Task Force 
Report stated that the Board's referral may include 
recommendations for the issuance of subpoenas by the Committee 
where Members feel it appropriate.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \33\Id. at 14. The 18 OCE referrals received by the Committee in 
the 117th Congress were transmitted an average of 122 days after the 
start of the preliminary review phase.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    When the Committee receives a referral from the OCE, it is 
required to review the referral ``without prejudice or 
presumptions as to the merit of the allegations.''\34\ The 
Committee thus makes an independent determination about how to 
proceed in the matter based on the information before the 
Committee, which may include not only the OCE referral and 
supporting documents provided to the Committee by the OCE, but 
other information. It is not uncommon that the Committee's 
review will require more than 90 days because of the need to 
review documents, interview witnesses, and/or assess the legal 
significance of evidence, among other investigative steps. Some 
investigations may require the review of tens of thousands, if 
not hundreds of thousands, of pages of documents. For example, 
in the 116th Congress one investigation that spanned multiple 
Congresses required the Committee to review more than 200,000 
pages of documents to resolve the matter.\35\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \34\Committee Rule 17A(a).
    \35\House Comm. on Ethics, In the Matter of Allegations Relating to 
Representative David Schweikert, H. Rept. 116-46, 116th Cong. 2d Sess. 
(2020).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    In some instances, the Committee may be asked to defer its 
investigation by another law enforcement entity, generally the 
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The Committee typically 
honors such requests, barring unusual circumstances. For one 
thing, parallel investigations pose the risk of compromising 
one another. Also, for the most serious criminal violations, 
only DOJ can pursue a prosecution to seek imprisonment, the 
most serious possible consequence for a violation of law.\36\ 
Provided that the Committee still retains jurisdiction, a 
decision by the Committee to defer does not preclude the 
Committee from continuing its investigation later, regardless 
of the outcome of the other entity's investigation. In 
addition, a decision by the Committee to defer an investigation 
does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred or 
reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee. In the 117th 
Congress, the Committee did opt to defer several investigations 
at the request of DOJ, as described further below.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \36\DOJ will not lose jurisdiction to continue an investigation and 
pursue prosecution, if it determines that is appropriate, in the event 
that a Member or employee leaves the House, whether through resignation 
or defeat for reelection.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The Committee also received information offered as a 
referral from the Select Committee to Investigate the January 
6th Attack on the United States Capitol. The information was 
received by the Committee on December 27, 2022.
    The Committee publicly addressed 50 investigative matters 
during the 117th Congress. In addition to confidential matters, 
the Committee also carried over several public matters from the 
116th Congress. In the 117th Congress, the Committee continued 
to address the matters concerning Representative Sanford 
Bishop, Representative Bill Huizenga, Representative Steven 
Palazzo, and Delegate Michael San Nicolas. A chronological 
overview of public statements made by the Committee in the 
117th Congress regarding investigative matters follows.
    On March 1, 2021, the Committee made public the OCE Report 
in the matter of Delegate Michael F.Q. San Nicolas.
    On March 1, 2021, the Committee announced that, pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review allegations 
referred by the OCE regarding Representative Steven Palazzo.
    On April 9, 2021, the Committee announced that, pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a), it would review allegations that 
Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual misconduct 
and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images or videos 
on the House floor, misused state identification records, 
converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepted a 
bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift.
    On April 9, 2021, the Committee announced that, pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a), it would review allegations that 
Representative Tom Reed may have engaged in sexual misconduct.
    On May 20, 2021, the Committee announced it had unanimously 
voted to re-authorize an ISC for the 117th Congress to review 
allegations involving Delegate Michael F.Q. San Nicolas.
    On July 26, 2021, the Committee transmitted a Report to the 
House regarding allegations relating to Representative Joyce 
Beatty.
    On July 30, 2021, the Committee transmitted a Report to the 
House regarding allegations relating to Representative Hank 
Johnson.
    On September 28, 2021, the Committee transmitted a Report 
to the House regarding allegations relating to Representative 
Al Green.
    On September 28, 2021, the Committee transmitted a Report 
to the House regarding allegations relating to Representative 
Sheila Jackson Lee.
    On October 21, 2021, the Committee announced that, pursuant 
to Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review 
allegations referred by the OCE regarding Representative Tom 
Malinowski.
    On October 21, 2021, the Committee announced that, pursuant 
to Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review 
allegations referred by the OCE regarding Representative Alex 
Mooney.
    On October 21, 2021, the Committee announced that, pursuant 
to Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review 
allegations referred by the OCE regarding Representative Jim 
Hagedorn.
    On November 29, 2021, the Committee announced that, 
pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review 
allegations referred by the OCE regarding John Sample.
    On December 3, 2021, the Committee announced it had 
unanimously voted to establish an ISC with regard to 
allegations that Representative Jeff Fortenberry accepted 
illegal campaign contributions and engaged in a scheme to 
falsify or conceal material facts and/or made false statements, 
during a federal investigation into his campaign committee's 
alleged acceptance of illegal campaign contributions.
    On January 24, 2022, the Committee announced that, pursuant 
to Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review 
allegations referred by the OCE regarding Rep. Doug Lamborn.
    On February 7, 2022, the Committee transmitted a Report to 
the House regarding allegations relating to Representative 
Jamaal Bowman.
    On March 22, 2022, the Committee announced that a majority 
of the Committee did not vote to dismiss allegations referred 
by the OCE regarding Representative Ilhan Omar.
    On April 1, 2022, the Committee released a statement that 
Representative Jeff Fortenberry had resigned from Congress, 
and, as a consequence, the ISC and the Committee no longer had 
jurisdiction over him.
    On May 23, 2022, the Committee transmitted a Report to the 
House regarding allegations relating to Representative Madison 
Cawthorn.
    On May 23, 2022, the Committee announced it had unanimously 
voted to establish an ISC with regard to allegations that 
Representative Madison Cawthorn improperly promoted a 
cryptocurrency in which he may have had an undisclosed 
financial interest, and/or engaged in an improper relationship 
with an individual employed on his congressional staff.
    On May 23, 2022, the Committee announced that, pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review allegations 
referred by the OCE regarding Representative Ronny Jackson.
    On May 23, 2022, the Committee announced that, pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review allegations 
referred by the OCE regarding Representative Alex Mooney.
    On May 31, 2022, the Committee announced that, pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review allegations 
referred by the OCE regarding Representative Pat Fallon.
    On May 31, 2022, the Committee announced that, pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review allegations 
referred by the OCE regarding Representative Chris Jacobs.
    On May 31, 2022, the Committee announced that, pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review allegations 
referred by the OCE regarding Representative John Rutherford.
    On June 24, 2022, the Committee transmitted a Report to the 
House regarding allegations relating to Delegate Michael F.Q. 
San Nicolas, and announced its referral of substantial evidence 
of potential violations of federal criminal law to the 
Department of Justice.
    On July 22, 2022, the Committee transmitted a Report to the 
House regarding allegations relating to Representative Judy 
Chu.
    On July 29, 2022, the Committee transmitted a Report to the 
House regarding allegations relating to the arrests of Members 
of the House during a protest outside the United States Supreme 
Court on July 19, 2022.
    On July 29, 2022, the Committee announced its dismissal of 
allegations referred by OCE regarding Representatives Pat 
Fallon, Chris Jacobs, and Thomas Suozzi.
    On July 29, 2022, the Committee transmitted a Report to the 
House regarding allegations relating to Representative Andy 
Levin.
    On August 24, 2022, the Committee announced its dismissal 
of allegations referred by OCE regarding Representative John 
Rutherford.
    On November 21, 2022, the Committee announced that, 
pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review 
allegations referred by the OCE regarding Representative 
Carolyn Maloney.
    On November 28, 2022, the Committee announced that, 
pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), it would continue to review 
allegations referred by the OCE regarding Representative 
Kaiali'i Kahele.
    On December 6, 2022, the Committee transmitted a Report to 
the House regarding allegations relating to Representative 
Madison Cawthorn.
    These investigative matters are described in more detail 
below, in alphabetical order. Copies of all of the Committee's 
public statements related to these matters are included as 
Appendix IV to this Report. Those statements, along with any 
attachments referenced in the statements, are available on the 
Committee's website. All of the Committee's Reports as filed 
with the House are also available on the Committee's website.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to the Arrests of Members of the 
        House During a Protest Outside the United States Supreme Court 
        on July 19, 2022

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on July 27, 2022, to consider 
the arrests of Representatives Alma Adams, Cori Bush, Katherine 
Clark, Madeline Dean, Veronica Escobar, Sara Jacobs, Barbara 
Lee, Andy Levin, Carolyn Maloney, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 
Ilhan Omar, Ayanna Pressley, Jan Schakowsky, Jackie Speier, 
Rashida Tlaib, Nydia Velazquez, and Bonnie Watson Coleman for 
crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, during a protest outside 
the United States Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., 
on July 29, 2022. Each Member paid or stated that they intended 
to pay a $50 collateral payment, whereupon the local court 
would dispose of the charge. The legal proceedings related to 
the arrests were expected to be resolved with no further 
action.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of the 
Members. In reaching this decision, the Committee considered 
the scope and nature of the violations, and determined it to be 
one for which review by an ISC was not warranted. On July 29, 
2022, the Committee submitted a Report to the House describing 
the facts and its findings regarding this matter, as well as 
its determination to take no further action in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Joyce Beatty

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on July 20, 2021, to consider 
the arrest of Representative Joyce Beatty for crowding, 
obstructing, or incommoding, during a protest inside a Senate 
Office Building in Washington, D.C., on July 15, 2021. 
Representative Beatty forfeited a $50 collateral payment, 
whereupon the local court disposed of the charge. The legal 
proceedings related to Representative Beatty's arrest were thus 
resolved.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of 
Representative Beatty. In reaching this decision, the Committee 
considered the scope and nature of the violations, and 
determined it to be one for which review by an ISC was not 
warranted. On July 26, 2021, the Committee submitted a Report 
to the House describing the facts and its findings regarding 
this matter, as well as its determination to take no further 
action in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Sanford Bishop, 
        Jr.

    On February 10, 2020, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Sanford Bishop, Jr.'s campaign 
committee reported disbursements that were not attributable to 
bona fide campaign or political purposes, and that 
Representative Bishop authorized expenditures from his Members' 
Representational Allowance (MRA) that were not for permissible 
official expenses, in violation of federal law, House rules and 
other standards of conduct.
    On July 31, 2020, the Committee released the OCE Report and 
Findings, along with Representative Bishop's response, and 
noted in a public statement that the Committee was continuing 
to review the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    As of the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee 
had not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Bishop was reelected to the House for the 118th 
Congress.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Jamaal Bowman

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on February 4, 2022, to 
consider the arrest of Representative Jamaal Bowman for 
unauthorized entry during a protest outside the Capitol 
Building in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2022. 
Representative Bowman stated he intended to pay a $200 
collateral payment, whereupon the local court would dispose of 
the charge. The legal proceedings related to Representative 
Bowman's arrest were expected to be resolved with no further 
action.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of 
Representative Bowman. In reaching this decision, the Committee 
considered the scope and nature of the violations and 
determined it to be one for which review by an ISC was not 
warranted. On February 7, 2022, the Committee submitted a 
Report to the House describing the facts and its findings 
regarding this matter, as well as its determination to take no 
further action in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Madison 
        Cawthorn

    On May 23, 2022, the Committee announced that it had 
unanimously voted on May 11, 2022, to establish an ISC with 
jurisdiction to investigate whether Representative Madison 
Cawthorn may have: improperly promoted a cryptocurrency in 
which he had an undisclosed financial interest, and/or had an 
improper relationship with a member of his congressional staff.
    At the completion of its investigation, the ISC unanimously 
concluded there was substantial evidence that Representative 
Cawthorn promoted a cryptocurrency in which he had a financial 
interest in violation of rules protecting against conflicts of 
interest; that he failed to file timely reports to the House 
disclosing his transactions relating to the cryptocurrency; and 
that his purchase of the cryptocurrency was on more generous 
terms than were available to the general public, resulting in 
an improper gift. The ISC also unanimously concluded that 
Representative Cawthorn did not engage in an improper 
relationship with a member of his congressional staff.
    On November 16, 2022, the ISC unanimously voted to adopt 
and transmit a Report to the full Committee detailing the 
violations and the facts giving rise to those violations. The 
ISC Report also recommended the Report serve to admonish 
Representative Cawthorn, and that the Committee direct 
Representative Cawthorn to repay the approximate value of the 
gift he received to a suitable charity and to pay applicable 
late fees for his late filings of PTRs.
    On December 6, 2022, the Committee made public its Report, 
in which it adopted the ISC's Report and recommendations, 
directing that Representative Cawthorn repay $14,237.49 to a 
suitable charity not later than December 31, 2022, and to pay 
$1,000 in late filing fees to the U.S. Treasury and file an 
additional PTR related to a sale of the cryptocurrency not 
later than December 20, 2022. Representative Cawthorn filed the 
additional PTR and has publicly stated that he donated $15,000 
to two nonprofit organizations.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Madison 
        Cawthorn

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on May 11, 2022, to consider 
misdemeanor charges filed against Representative Madison 
Cawthorn for driving with a revoked license and speeding in 
North Carolina. Representative Cawthorn has paid a fine to 
resolve one of the charges and intends to pay any fines 
associated with the remaining charges.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of 
Representative Cawthorn. In reaching this decision, the 
Committee considered the scope and nature of the violations, 
and determined it to be one for which review by an ISC was not 
warranted. On May 24, 2022, the Committee submitted a Report to 
the House describing the facts and its findings regarding this 
matter, as well as its determination to take no further action 
in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Judy Chu

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on July 20, 2022, to consider 
the arrest of Representative Judy Chu for crowding, 
obstructing, or incommoding, during a protest outside the 
Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on June 30, 2022. 
Representative Chu forfeited a $50 collateral payment, 
whereupon the local court disposed of the charge. The legal 
proceedings related to Representative Chu's arrest were thus 
resolved.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of 
Representative Chu. In reaching this decision, the Committee 
considered the scope and nature of the violations, and 
determined it to be one for which review by an ISC was not 
warranted. On July 26, 2022, the Committee submitted a Report 
to the House describing the facts and its findings regarding 
this matter, as well as its determination to take no further 
action in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Pat Fallon

    On March 2, 2022, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Pat Fallon may have violated 
House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law by failing 
to file timely PTRs for various reportable transactions. On May 
31, 2022, the Committee released the OCE Report and Findings, 
along with Representative Fallon's response, and noted in a 
public statement that the Committee was continuing to review 
the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    On July 29, 2022, the Committee released a public statement 
noting it found no clear evidence that the errors and omissions 
in Representative Fallon's PTRs were knowing or willful and 
that he was generally unclear on the requirements relating to 
PTR filings. Accordingly, the Committee unanimously voted to 
dismiss the matter and to take no further action.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Jeff 
        Fortenberry

    On October 19, 2021, criminal charges against 
Representative Jeff Fortenberry were filed in the United States 
District Court for the Central District of California. The 
Committee unanimously voted to establish an ISC to determine 
whether Representative Fortenberry violated the Code of 
Official Conduct or any law, rule, regulation or other 
applicable standard of conduct in the performance of his duties 
or the discharge of his responsibilities, with respect to 
allegations that: Representative Fortenberry's 2016 
congressional campaign may have accepted illegal contributions; 
and Representative Fortenberry engaged in a scheme to falsify 
and conceal material facts and/or made false statements, during 
a federal investigation into his campaign committee's alleged 
acceptance of illegal campaign contributions. The Committee, 
following precedent, unanimously recommended to the ISC that it 
defer consideration of the matter in response to a request from 
DOJ.
    On March 26, 2022, Representative Fortenberry announced his 
resignation from the House, effective March 31, 2022, at which 
time the ISC and the Committee lost jurisdiction to continue 
its investigation.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Matt Gaetz

    On April 9, 2021, the Committee announced that it was 
investigating, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), allegations 
that Representative Matt Gaetz may have engaged in sexual 
misconduct and/or illicit drug use, shared inappropriate images 
or videos on the House floor, misused state identification 
records, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or 
accepted a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift. The 
Committee, following precedent, deferred consideration of the 
matter in response to a request from DOJ.
    At the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee had 
not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Gaetz was reelected to the House for the 118th 
Congress.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Al Green

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on September 22, 2021, to 
consider the arrest of Representative Al Green for crowding, 
obstructing, or incommoding, during a protest outside the 
Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on August 3, 2021. 
Representative Green stated he intended to pay a $50 collateral 
payment, whereupon the local court would dispose of the charge. 
The legal proceedings related to Representative Green's arrest 
were expected to be resolved with no further action.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of 
Representative Green. In reaching this decision, the Committee 
considered the scope and nature of the violations, and 
determined it to be one for which review by an ISC was not 
warranted. On September 28, 2021, the Committee submitted a 
Report to the House describing the facts and its findings 
regarding this matter, as well as its determination to take no 
further action in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Jim Hagedorn

    On July 23, 2021, OCE forwarded to the Committee a Report 
and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Jim Hagedorn may have used 
official funds to contract for franking services with companies 
owned or controlled by his staff members and that 
Representative Hagedorn's campaign committee, Friends of 
Hagedorn may have used private office space at no cost or for a 
rate below market value. The Committee released the OCE Report 
and Findings, along with Representative Hagedorn's response, on 
October 21, 2021, and noted in the public statement that the 
Committee was continuing to review the allegations pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a). On February 17, 2022, Representative 
Hagedorn passed away, at which time the Committee lost 
jurisdiction to continue its investigation.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Bill Huizenga

    On August 16, 2019, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Bill Huizenga's campaign 
committee reported campaign disbursements that may not be 
legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures attributable to 
bona fide campaign or political purposes and accepted 
contributions from individuals employed in his congressional 
office, in violation of federal law, House rules and other 
standards of conduct. The OCE also reviewed an allegation that 
Representative Huizenga authorized expenditures from his MRA 
for impermissible official expenses, but the OCE recommended 
the Committee dismiss that allegation. On November 14, 2019, 
the Committee released the OCE Report and Findings and noted in 
a public statement that the Committee was continuing to review 
the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    As of the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee 
had not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Huizenga was reelected to the House for the 
118th Congress.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Ronny Jackson, 
        Jr.

    On December 22, 2021, OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Ronny Jackson, Jr.'s campaign 
committee reported campaign disbursements that may not be 
legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures attributable to 
bona fide campaign or political purposes.
    On May 23, 2022, the Committee released the OCE Report and 
Findings, along with Representative Jackson's response, and 
noted in a public statement that the Committee was continuing 
to review the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    As of the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee 
had not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Jackson was reelected to the House for the 118th 
Congress.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Sheila Jackson 
        Lee

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on September 22, 2021, to 
consider the arrest of Representative Sheila Jackson Lee for 
crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, during a protest outside 
a Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., on July 29, 2021. 
Representative Jackson Lee forfeited a $50 collateral payment, 
whereupon the local court disposed of the charge. The legal 
proceedings related to Representative Jackson Lee's arrest were 
thus resolved.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of 
Representative Jackson Lee. In reaching this decision, the 
Committee considered the scope and nature of the violations, 
and determined it to be one for which review by an ISC was not 
warranted. On September 28, 2021, the Committee submitted a 
Report to the House describing the facts and its findings 
regarding this matter, as well as its determination to take no 
further action in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Chris Jacobs

    On February 28, 2022, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report regarding allegations that Representative Chris Jacobs 
may have violated House rules, standards of conduct, and 
federal law by failing to file timely PTRs for various 
reportable transactions. OCE did not make a recommendation 
regarding the allegations because of a tie vote of the OCE 
Board. On May 31, 2022, the Committee released the OCE Report, 
along with Representative Jacobs's response, and noted in a 
public statement that the Committee was continuing to review 
the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    On July 29, 2022, the Committee released a public statement 
announcing it found no clear evidence that the errors and 
omissions in Representative Jacobs's PTRs were knowing or 
willful and that he was generally unclear on the requirements 
relating to PTR filings. Accordingly, the Committee unanimously 
voted to dismiss the matter and to take no further action.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Hank Johnson

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on July 28, 2021, to consider 
the arrest of Representative Hank Johnson for crowding, 
obstructing, or incommoding, during a protest outside a Senate 
Office Building in Washington, D.C., on July 22, 2021. 
Representative Johnson forfeited a $50 collateral payment, 
whereupon the local court disposed of the charge. The legal 
proceedings related to Representative Johnson's arrest were 
thus resolved.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of 
Representative Johnson. In reaching this decision, the 
Committee considered the scope and nature of the violations, 
and determined it to be one for which review by an ISC was not 
warranted. On July 30, 2021, the Committee submitted a Report 
to the House describing the facts and its findings regarding 
this matter, as well as its determination to take no further 
action in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Kaiali'i Kahele

    On August 30, 2022, OCE forwarded to the Committee a Report 
and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Kaiali'i Kahele may have 
misused official resources for campaign or political purposes. 
The OCE also reviewed an allegation that Representative Kahele 
took official action motivated by financial interest or that he 
dispenses special favors or privileges, but recommended 
dismissal of that allegation.
    On November 28, 2022, the Committee released the OCE Report 
and Findings, along with Representative Kahele's response, and 
noted in a public statement that the Committee was continuing 
to review the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    Representative Kahele did not seek reelection to the House, 
and the Committee will not have jurisdiction to continue the 
investigation after January 3, 2023.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Mike Kelly

    On July 23, 2021, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Mike Kelly's wife may have 
purchased stock based on confidential or material nonpublic 
information that Representative Kelly had learned during his 
official job duties. The Committee released the OCE Report and 
Findings, along with Representative Kelly's response, on 
October 21, 2021, and noted in a public statement that the 
Committee was continuing to review the allegations pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a).
    At the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee had 
not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Kelly was reelected to the House for the 118th 
Congress.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Doug Lamborn

    On October 25, 2021, the Committee received a Report and 
Findings from OCE recommending further review of allegations 
that Representative Doug Lamborn may have misused official 
resources for personal and non-official purposes; and that 
Representative Lamborn may have solicited or accepted improper 
gifts from subordinates. The Committee released the OCE Report 
and Findings, along with Representative Lamborn's response, on 
January 24, 2022, and noted in a public statement that the 
Committee was continuing to review the allegations pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a).
    At the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee had 
not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Lamborn was reelected to the House for the 118th 
Congress.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Andy Levin

    In accordance with the requirements of Committee Rule 
18(e)(2), the Committee convened on July 27, 2022, to consider 
the arrest of Representative Andy Levin for crowding, 
obstructing, or incommoding, during a protest outside the 
Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., on July 20, 2022. 
Representative Levin forfeited a $50 collateral payment, 
whereupon the local court disposed of the charge. The legal 
proceedings related to Representative Levin's arrest were thus 
resolved.
    After reviewing and considering this matter, the Committee 
voted against impaneling an ISC related to the conduct of 
Representative Levin. In reaching this decision, the Committee 
considered the scope and nature of the violations, and 
determined it to be one for which review by an ISC was not 
warranted. On July 29, 2022, the Committee submitted a Report 
to the House describing the facts and its findings regarding 
this matter, as well as its determination to take no further 
action in this matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Tom Malinowski

    On July 23, 2021, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Tom Malinowski may have 
violated House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law by 
failing to properly disclose stocks that he purchased or sold 
or failing to properly file PTRs for any of the stock 
transactions he made between 2019 and 2020. On October 21, 
2021, the Committee released the OCE Report and Findings, along 
with Representative Malinowski's response, and noted in a 
public statement that the Committee was continuing to review 
the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    As of the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee 
had not completed its review into this matter. Representative 
Malinowski lost his bid for reelection to the House and the 
Committee will no longer have jurisdiction to continue its 
investigation after January 3, 2023.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Carolyn Maloney

    On June 23, 2022, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Carolyn Maloney may have 
solicited or accepted impermissible gifts associated with her 
attendance at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Met Gala. The 
Committee released the OCE Report and Findings, along with 
Representative Maloney's response, on November 21, 2022, and 
noted in a public statement that the Committee was continuing 
to review the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    At the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee had 
not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Maloney lost her bid for reelection to the House 
and the Committee will no longer have jurisdiction to continue 
the investigation after January 3, 2023.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Alex Mooney

    On July 23, 2021, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that: Representative Alex Mooney's campaign 
committees reported campaign disbursements that are not 
legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures attributable to 
a bona fide campaign or political purposes; and Representative 
Mooney's campaign committees omitted required information from 
its Federal Election Commission candidate committee reports. 
The Committee released the OCE Report and Findings on October 
21, 2021, and noted in a public statement that the Committee 
was continuing to review the allegations pursuant to Committee 
Rule 18(a).
    On December 22, 2021, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
second Report and Findings in which it recommended further 
review of allegations that: Representative Mooney's campaign 
committees reported campaign disbursements that may not be 
legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures attributable to 
bona fide campaign or political purposes; Representative Mooney 
may have authorized expenditures from his MRA that were not for 
permissible official expenses; Representative Mooney may have 
used official resources, including staff time, for unofficial 
or campaign purposes; and Representative Mooney may have 
withheld, concealed, or otherwise falsified information during 
the prior OCE review. The Committee released the OCE Report and 
Findings on May 23, 2022, and noted in a public statement that 
the Committee was continuing to review the allegations pursuant 
to Committee Rule 18(a).
    At the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee had 
not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Mooney was reelected to the House for the 118th 
Congress.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Marie Newman

    On October 25, 2021, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Marie Newman promised federal 
employment to a potential primary opponent for the purpose of 
procuring political support. The Committee released the OCE 
Report and Findings, along with Representative Newman's 
response, on January 21, 2022, and noted in a public statement 
that the Committee was continuing to review the allegations 
pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    Representative Newman lost her bid for reelection to the 
House and the Committee will no longer have jurisdiction to 
continue the investigation after January 3, 2023.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Alexandria 
        Ocasio-Cortez

    On June 23, 2022, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings regarding Representative Alexandria Ocasio-
Cortez.
    At the conclusion of the 117th Congress, the Committee had 
not completed its investigation into this matter. 
Representative Ocasio-Cortez was reelected to the House for the 
118th Congress.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Ilhan Omar

    On December 22, 2021, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report in which it recommended dismissal of allegations that 
Representative Ilhan Omar may have omitted required information 
from her annual financial disclosure reports and may have 
received an advance payment on royalties relating to her 
memoir. On March 22, 2022, the Committee released the OCE 
Report. OCE did not transmit findings to the Committee, so no 
findings were published. The Committee noted in the public 
statement that a majority of the Committee did not vote to 
dismiss the matter, House Rule XI, clause 3 and Committee Rule 
17A provide for no specific further action, and that the 
Committee would not further review the matter.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Steven Palazzo

    On September 2, 2020, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Steven Palazzo's principal 
campaign committee, Palazzo for Congress, made disbursements 
that were not for legitimate and verifiable campaign 
expenditures; Representative Palazzo improperly used or 
authorized the use of his MRA for personal and/or campaign 
purposes; and Representative Palazzo used his official position 
and/or congressional resources to procure special assistance 
for his family member. The Committee released the OCE Report 
and Findings, along with Representative Palazzo's response, on 
March 1, 2021, and noted in the public statement that the 
Committee was continuing to review the allegations pursuant to 
Committee Rule 18(a).
    Representative Palazzo lost his bid for reelection to the 
House and the Committee will no longer have jurisdiction to 
continue the investigation after January 3, 2023.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Tom Reed

    On April 9, 2021, the Committee announced that it was 
investigating, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), allegations 
that Representative Tom Reed may have engaged in sexual 
misconduct, in violation of House Rules, laws, or other 
standards of conduct. On March 10, 2022, Representative Reed 
announced his resignation from the House, effective 
immediately, at which time the Committee lost jurisdiction to 
continue its investigation.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative John Rutherford

    On February 28, 2022, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative John Rutherford may have 
violated House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law by 
failing to file timely PTRs for various reportable 
transactions. On May 31, 2022, the Committee released the OCE 
Report and Findings, along with Representative Rutherford's 
response, and noted in a public statement that the Committee 
was continuing to review the allegations pursuant to Committee 
Rule 18(a).
    On August 24, 2022, the Committee released a public 
statement noting it found no clear evidence that the errors and 
omissions in Representative Rutherford's PTRs were knowing or 
willful and that he was generally unclear on the requirements 
relating to PTR filings. Accordingly, the Committee unanimously 
voted to dismiss the matter and to take no further action.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to John Sample

    On August 26, 2021, OCE forwarded to the Committee a Report 
and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that John Sample may have been involved in and 
benefited from the use of official funds to procure services 
from companies owned or controlled by congressional staff 
members, including himself. The Committee released the OCE 
Report and Findings on November 29, 2021, and noted in the 
public statement that the Committee was continuing to review 
the allegations pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a).
    On August 9, 2022, Mr. Sample resigned from the office of 
the First Congressional District of Minnesota, at which point 
the Committee lost jurisdiction to continue its investigation.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Delegate Michael F.Q. San 
        Nicolas

    On October 24, 2019, the Committee announced that it was 
investigating, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), allegations 
that Delegate Michael F.Q. San Nicolas may have engaged in a 
sexual relationship with an individual on his congressional 
staff, converted campaign funds to personal use, and/or 
accepted improper or excessive campaign contributions.
    On June 12, 2020, the Committee announced that it had 
unanimously voted on March 11, 2020, to establish an ISC with 
jurisdiction to investigate whether Delegate San Nicolas may 
have: engaged in a sexual relationship with an individual on 
his congressional staff; converted campaign funds to personal 
use; accepted improper and/or excessive campaign contributions; 
reported campaign disbursements that may not be legitimate and 
verifiable campaign expenditures attributable to bona fide 
campaign or political purposes; omitted required information 
from or disclosed false information in reports filed with the 
Federal Election Commission; made false statements to 
government investigators or agencies; and/or improperly 
interfered or attempted to interfere in a government 
investigation of related allegations. The Committee determined 
to take that action following the receipt of a Report and 
Findings from OCE regarding the matter.
    On May 20, 2021, the Committee announced that it 
unanimously voted to re-authorize an ISC for the 117th Congress 
to review the same allegations involving Delegate San Nicolas.
    At the completion of its investigation, the ISC unanimously 
concluded that there was ``substantial evidence that Delegate 
San Nicolas: accepted improper and/or excessive campaign 
contributions; engaged in a conspiracy to hide the proceeds of 
an illicit campaign contribution; knowingly caused his campaign 
committee to file false or incomplete reports with the FEC; and 
attempted to interfere with [the] Committee's investigation 
(including OCE's referral to the Committee) by causing his 
congressional staff to contact a likely witness in the 
Committee's investigation in an attempt to persuade the witness 
to lie.'' The ISC considered whether to seek a House-level 
sanction but, in light of the ``potential violations of federal 
criminal law'' and the applicable statutes of limitations, 
recommended that the Committee refer the matter to DOJ for 
further review.
    On June 23, 2022, the Committee submitted to the House its 
Report regarding this matter, in which the Committee agreed 
with the ISC's findings and recommendations. The Committee 
concluded that Delegate San Nicolas' conduct may have violated 
several campaign finance laws, federal conspiracy law, and laws 
against witness tampering and obstruction of Congress. The 
Committee voted unanimously to refer this matter to DOJ.

In the Matter of Allegations Relating to Representative Thomas Suozzi

    On February 28, 2022, the OCE forwarded to the Committee a 
Report and Findings in which it recommended further review of 
allegations that Representative Thomas Suozzi may have violated 
House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law by failing 
to file timely PTRs for various reportable transactions. On 
July 29, 2022, the Committee released the OCE Report and 
Findings, along with Representative Suozzi's response, and 
noted in a public statement that the Committee found no clear 
evidence that the errors and omissions in Representative 
Suozzi's PTRs were knowing or willful and that he was generally 
unclear on the requirements relating to PTR filings. 
Accordingly, the Committee unanimously voted to dismiss the 
matter and to take no further action.





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