Statement of the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics Regarding Representative Lance Gooden

Pursuant to Committee Rule 7, the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee on Ethics (Committee) determined to release the following statement:

On June 10, 2026, the Committee received a referral from the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) regarding Representative Lance Gooden. Pursuant to House Rule XI, clause 3(b)(8)(A), and Committee Rules 17A(b)(1)(A) and 17A(c)(1), on July 27, 2026, the Committee extended its review of the matter. In order to gather additional information necessary to complete its review, the Committee will review the matter pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a). The Committee notes that the mere fact of conducting further review of a referral, and any mandatory disclosure of such further review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred, or reflect any judgment on behalf of the Committee.

In order to comply with Committee Rule 7 regarding confidentiality, out of fairness to all respondents, and to assure the integrity of its work, the Committee will refrain from making further public statements on this matter pending completion of its initial review.

Pursuant to Committee Rule 17A, the Committee hereby publishes OCC's Report and Findings relating to allegations against Representative Gooden and Representative Gooden's submission to the Committee.

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Press Release

OCC Report and Findings

OCC Report and Findings Exhibits 1

OCC Report and Findings Exhibits 2

Representative Gooden's Response