Rep. Gooden Faces Ethics Probe Over Alleged Taxpayer Misuse
Congressional investigators accuse Texas Rep. Lance Gooden of misusing taxpayer funds for personal luxury expenses.
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Congressional investigators have accused Texas Republican Rep. Lance Gooden of misusing taxpayer funds for personal luxury expenses, according to a report from the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC). The allegations claim Gooden engaged in extravagant expenditures and sought more in reimbursements than any other U.S. House member. The investigation comes amid a broader wave of ethics violations in Congress, with several lawmakers resigning this year.
Allegations of Misuse and Luxury Spending
The OCC report alleges that Gooden reimbursed himself nearly $184,000 across all 2025 travel expenses, citing overly expensive travel options. The report also claims he charged Congress for some personal or campaign trips, including luxury hotel stays, business and first-class plane tickets, and extended car rentals, which are supposed to be ‘reasonable’ and ‘ordinary and necessary’ under House rules.
According to the Washington Post, the report identified at least one occasion where Gooden reimbursed his son’s travel costs and at least two instances where staff booked his flights through his wife’s credit card travel portal, potentially allowing her to obtain rewards points. These actions, if true, could violate House travel and accommodation guidelines.
Gooden Denies Allegations, Calls Probe a Witch Hunt
Gooden has denied the allegations, calling them a ‘bogus’ witch hunt. In a statement, he criticized the OCC, saying, ‘There’s a reason the Senate doesn’t have an OCC — because of insane, bogus referrals like this one.’ He called on the House Administration to launch an oversight investigation into the OCC’s target selection and record of failed inquiries.
Gooden’s attorney responded to the OCC investigation in June, stating that the congressman expressed willingness to provide evidence but found the request for an ‘unreasonably burdensome’ amount of documents and communications.
The OCC report was referred to the House Ethics Committee, which is responsible for disciplining members. The Ethics Committee’s investigation is ongoing, and no final determination has been made.
As the probe continues, the case highlights growing concerns about ethics and transparency in Congress, especially as voters increasingly cite corruption as a key reason for disfavoring the Republican Party.
Source: Breitbart
