Rep. Omar Spokesman Statement on Office of Ethics Voting Unanimously to Dismiss False Claim

WASHINGTON—Jeremy Slevin, a spokesman for Rep. Ilhan Omar, released the following statement after the Office of Congressional Ethics voted unanimously to dismiss a false allegation about Rep. Omar's book royalties, and the Committee on Ethics announced that they will not further review the matter.

"We are glad the Office of Congressional Ethics voted unanimously to dismiss another completely fabricated claim against Rep. Omar. As the Congresswoman has stated and disclosed repeatedly: she received no advance from her book, in line with other Members of Congress who have written books and Congressional Ethics rules. It is a shame that rightwing groups continue to waste the time and resources of the Office and the Committee with dishonest and spurious claims against the Congresswoman."

Background

The complaint was initially filed by the National Legal and Policy Center, a dark money conservative group that tried to challenge the constitutional authority of the Mueller investigation and challenge oversight over Donald Trump.

The Office of Congressional Ethics is an independent nonpartisan office that reviews allegations and recommends dismissal or further review to the Committee on Ethics. The Board voted unanimously to dismiss an allegation about Rep. Omar's book royalties because "there is not substantial reason to believe that Rep. Omar received an advance payment on royalties related to her book." The House Committee on Ethics (made up of an even number of Democrats and Republicans) then voted to "not further review the matter."

You can view the findings here.