The House Committee on Ethics is reviewing allegations against Republican Rep. Lance Gooden of Texas, who has publicly stated the investigation is "baseless."
The committee announced Monday it was reviewing a "matter" that had been reported to the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) on June 10, 2026. The OCC is an independent, nonpartisan body responsible for reviewing allegations against House lawmakers, staff, and officers before potentially referring them to the Ethics Committee.
The specific reasons for the investigation were not immediately clear, but Gooden issued a statement to Fox News Digital indicating the probe was finance-related. "These are bogus spending allegations perpetrated by dishonest unelected OCC bureaucrats, and as the fifth Texas GOP ally of the president to endure one of these attacks, I am confident the House Ethics Committee will confirm their baseless nature," Gooden said.
The House Ethics Committee's notice stated that it would announce its course of action on or before November 9. This announcement marks a preliminary stage; the committee will decide whether to escalate the matter to a formal probe involving an investigatory subcommittee.
The OCC website indicates it investigates a broad range of allegations, including those related to earmarks, travel, financial disclosure, and legal expense funds.