Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of the Office of Congressional Ethics in the House ethics process?

The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) was created in March of 2008 as an independent, non-partisan office governed by a Board comprised of private citizens. The OCE reviews allegations of misconduct against Members, officers, and staff of the House and, when appropriate, refers matters to the House Committee on Ethics. The OCE is not authorized to determine if a violation occurred. The OCE is also not authorized to sanction Members, officers, or employees of the House or to recommend any sanctions. The OCE is not able to provide advice or education on the rules and standards of conduct applicable to Members, officers, and employees of the House.

How does the OCE conduct investigations?

The OCE's investigations have two stages: (1) a preliminary review, which is completed in 30 days and (2) a second-phase review, which is completed in 45 days, with the possibility of a 14-day extension.

Preliminary Review

Two Board members (one appointed by the Speaker of the House and one appointed by the Minority Leader) may authorize a preliminary review if all available information provides a reasonable basis to believe that a violation may have occurred.

Second-Phase Review

Three Board members may authorize a second-phase review if all available information provides probable cause to believe a violation may have occurred. At the end of any second-phase review, the Board must recommend to the Committee on Ethics either that the matter requires the Committee's further review or that it should dismiss the matter.

The OCE is a fact-finding office. A recommendation for further review does not constitute a determination that a violation occurred, only that the OCE has a substantial reason to believe a violation occurred. Similarly, a recommendation for dismissal does not constitute a determination that a violation did not occur, only that the OCE does not have substantial reason to believe a violation occurred, which is the standard of proof required for the OCE to refer a matter to the Committee on Ethics for further review.

When it makes its recommendation, the OCE Board may also transmit to the Standards Committee findings that include, among other things, findings of fact and citations to laws, rules or regulations that may have been violated. In all but one set of circumstances, the report and findings of the OCE Board must be publicly released.

OCE's Referrals

Chart of OCE's Process

A statistical summary of the Board's actions are released on a quarterly basis.

OCE's Quarterly Reports 

What is the jurisdiction of the OCE?

The OCE has jurisdiction to review allegations of misconduct against Members, officers, and staff of the United States House of Representatives that occurred after March 11, 2008, the date the House adopted the OCE's authorizing resolution.

How do I request the OCE conduct an investigation?

Any member of the public may bring a matter of suspected misconduct involving a Member, officer or staff of the House to the attention of the OCE. Please note that a submission of information does not automatically result in an investigation. The decision to begin a preliminary review lies solely with the Board of the OCE.

The OCE does not have jurisdiction to consider submissions of information concerning the United States Senate, the President of the United States, or the departments of the Executive Branch.

Submit Information to the OCE