Ethics Office Dismisses Complaint Over Rep. Omar's Book Royalties

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Office of Congressional Ethics voted unanimously to dismiss a complaint against Rep. Ilhan Omar over royalties from her book, "This Is What America Looks Like: My Journey from Refugee to Congresswoman."

The complaint alleged that Omar failed to report a book advance on her financial annual disclosure forms. Omar said she did not receive a book advance.

"If Rep. Omar did not include required information in her annual financial disclosure reports, then she may have violated federal law, House rules, and standards of conduct," the Ethics report stated.

The board voted 6-0 to dismiss the claim, finding that "there is not substantial reason to believe that Rep. Omar omitted required information from her annual financial disclosure reports."

Following the board's decision, the House Committee on Ethics — which is made up of an even number of Democrats and Republicans — then voted to "not further review the matter."

According to Omar's office, the complaint was filed by the National Legal and Policy Center.

"We are glad the Office of Congressional Ethics voted unanimously to dismiss another completely fabricated claim against Rep. Omar," Jeremy Slevin, a spokesman for Omar's office, said in a news release.

"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."