Congressional investigators have accused Texas Republican Rep. Lance Gooden of improperly using taxpayer funds for luxury travel and misreporting campaign expenses, according to a report from the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC). The allegations add to a growing list of ethics controversies surrounding U.S. lawmakers ahead of the midterm elections.
Lavish Expenses Under Scrutiny
The OCC investigation found Gooden reimbursed himself nearly $184,000 in 2025 for travel expenses, including luxury hotel stays, business-class flights, and extended car rentals. The report suggests these expenditures may violate House rules requiring travel costs to be “reasonable” and “ordinary and necessary” for official duties.
One particularly concerning finding was that Gooden allegedly charged Congress for personal trips and campaign-related travel. Additionally, the report flagged reimbursements that appeared to cover his son’s travel and instances where flights were booked through his wife’s credit card travel portal, potentially allowing her to accumulate rewards points.
Gooden Denies Allegations
Gooden has dismissed the claims as a politically motivated attack. In a fiery statement, he called the OCC investigation “bogus” and accused the office of targeting him unfairly. “There’s a reason the Senate doesn’t have an OCC โ because of insane, bogus referrals like this one,” he said.
The congressman’s attorney previously argued in June that the OCC made unreasonable document demands while refusing to specify the exact allegations. They maintain Gooden was prepared to address any concerns if given proper notice.
Ethics Committee Review Pending
The OCC has referred its findings to the House Ethics Committee, which has the authority to discipline members if violations are confirmed. The committee’s investigation remains ongoing, with no timeline announced for completion.
Ethics watchdogs note this case comes as public trust in government hits historic lows, with voters frequently citing corruption as a top concern. Several House members from both parties have faced ethics probes this year, with some resigning under pressure.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/09/congressional-investigators-republican-lance-gooden-tax-dollars-personal-luxury/