Far-left U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) listed her fiancé, Riley Roberts, as her “spouse” in disclosure files last year, according to a report from the Washington Free Beacon. Her office says that the two have never been “legally married,” however, representing a likely breach of House ethics regulations.
The New York congresswoman referred to Roberts as her spouse while describing the couple’s travels across the globe, according to legal filings to the House Ethics Committee obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.
Ocasio-Cortez flew to the Far East this past January on a trip sponsored by the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Foundation and to South America in August for a trip sponsored by George Soros’ Open Societies Foundation. Roberts paid for his tickets on his own, he Washington Free Beacon confirmed.
Lauren Hitt, a spokesman for the congresswoman, confirmed that the two are not married after announcing their engagement last year. “House Ethics has commonly recognized the term ‘spouse’ to extend to long-term partners,” she claimed.
Despite Hitt’s claims, the House Ethics Manual states that a “spouse” listed in disclosure forms must be someone who is “legally married” to a member. Ocasio-Cortez also would have been required to disclose Roberts’ financial information.
If the congressman knowingly filed false information, she could face a fine of up to $50,000 or even federal prison time. She could also face censure by the Republican-controlled House.