House Ethics Committee Rules on Ocasio-Cortez’s Met Gala Expenses

The House Ethics Committee has ordered Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) to pay over $2,000 after finding she violated House regulations regarding gifts and clothing related to her attendance at the 2021 Met Gala.

According to a report, the committee determined that Ocasio-Cortez paid less than the fair market value for her clothing and accessories for the event. Specifically, she was instructed to reimburse $2,733 to the vendor for her undervalued items, alongside a $250 donation to her fiancé’s cosmetics lab, Riley Roberts.

The committee noted that Ocasio-Cortez’s actions contradicted House rules, applicable laws, and standards of conduct. It acknowledged that while her violations were not deemed intentional, she nonetheless accepted gifts inappropriately and must be held accountable for delays in payment.

The report indicated that the fair market worth of her gowns, shoes, handbags, and jewelry rentals was approximately $3,724.04, whereas she had only paid around $990.76.

“The committee concurs with the fair market value established for the rental of items,” the report states. It specified that Ocasio-Cortez was not charged for the handmade paper flowers in her hair, which were valued at $1,000 for 28 flowers, making the cost per piece about $35.71.

Mike Casca, Ocasio-Cortez’s Chief of Staff, expressed appreciation for the committee’s findings, highlighting their efforts to enforce compliance with House regulations and ethical standards. He mentioned that Ocasio-Cortez “will take responsibility and resolve the outstanding amount.”

This situation comes after the American Accountability Foundation brought forward ethical complaints against Ocasio-Cortez in September 2021, which included an instance of them accepting a $35,000 ticket to the Met Gala.

Notably, Ocasio-Cortez made headlines for wearing a dress emblazoned with the message “Tax The Rich,” designed by Aurora James for Brother Vellies.