The U.S. House Committee on Ethics announced Tuesday that it has launched an investigation into Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, centered on claims of domestic violence and illicit substance use. The announcement came shortly after the second-term lawmaker publicly stated his intention to seek a self-directed review in an attempt to address personal allegations raised in recent court filings.
The bipartisan panel confirmed leaders are reviewing allegations that Miller “may have engaged in domestic violence and abuse or illegal drug use” in violation of congressional standards, though officials stressed the action “does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred”. Ahead of the panel’s public statement, Miller posted to social media that he welcomed the formal scrutiny: “I am going to file my own paperwork for an ethics investigation into myself to clear my name from these horrific attacks on myself and family,” adding, “I have absolutely nothing to hide”.
The inquiry follows public accusations made by his former spouse, Emily Moreno, who alleged in domestic court proceedings that Miller engaged in physical abuse toward her and their young child. The dispute escalated after Moreno’s father, Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, publicly broke his silence regarding the custody conflict, describing the experience for his family as “truly the seventh level of hell” and stating that “This has been brutal beyond comprehension” as he urged Miller to vacate his congressional seat.
Miller has forcefully rejected the domestic violence claims, attributing the dispute to contentious divorce proceedings and maintaining that the accusations are fabricated. Republican leaders and presidential strategists have reportedly monitored the situation with concern over potential electoral repercussions for the GOP’s narrow House majority ahead of candidate filing deadlines. Meanwhile, Miller has maintained that he will remain in his reelection campaign while cooperating with the House panel to examine the relevant documentation.
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