Overview
- The Office of Congressional Conduct reported substantial reason to believe Collins' office paid a district intern who did little or no work.
- Records and witness statements identify the intern as Caroline Craze, who was dating then–chief of staff Brandon Phillips and worked at Cox Communications during the pay periods.
- The OCC board voted unanimously to adopt the findings and recommended subpoenas for Collins, Phillips, Craze, and several others who declined to cooperate.
- The House Ethics Committee said its extended review allows more time to gather information and does not indicate any finding of wrongdoing.
- Collins and his attorneys dispute the claims as politically motivated and sourced to disgruntled former aides, as the congressman campaigns for the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Georgia.