During the first quarter of 2’the House’s ethics watchdog, the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) received over 4,000 messages from the public, according to a new report. These communications included inquiries about the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) and information regarding allegations of misconduct, as detailed in the office’s report. The report highlights the volume of public engagement with the watchdog despite its restriction on conducting investigations at the time.
The Office of Congressional Ethics, which was barred from opening any investigations, has now received an official directive from the House to resume its investigative role. This change comes after the House approved the appointment of four members to the office’s board on Tuesday, paving the way for the OCC to move forward with its formal duties. The watchdog will also begin changing its formal name from the Office of Congressional Ethics to the Office of Congressional Conduct, as mandated by the rules package for the 119th Congress.
The OCE’s upcoming investigations are expected to focus on the misconduct allegations that were previously submitted to the office. With its new name and authority, the OCC aims to address these concerns while maintaining the integrity of its oversight role. The office’s ability to conduct formal investigations marks a significant development in the House’s efforts to enforce ethical standards among its members.