House Ethics Committee pushes for more reports of workplace misconduct

The House Ethics Committee urged individuals who have experienced or have information about sexual misconduct involving a member of Congress or staff to come forward.

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The bipartisan panel said in a lengthy statement issued Monday it “strongly encourages” anyone to report sexual or inappropriate behavior in the House directly to the committee.  The panel noted it has authority to investigate allegations involving both lawmakers and staff and can recommend disciplinary action.

“The Committee on Ethics (Committee) is dedicated to maintaining a congressional workplace free from sexual misconduct and ensuring that any individuals responsible for misconduct are held responsible for their behavior,” the statement said. “There should be zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination in the halls of Congress, or in any employment setting.”

The statement comes a week after the resignations of former Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales.

Before stepping down from Congress, Swalwell halted his California gubernatorial campaign amid sexual misconduct allegations from several women, which he has repeatedly denied. Gonzales had ended his reelection bid after acknowledging a relationship with an aide who later died by suicide.  

The two lawmakers were facing potential expulsion and ethics investigations, both of which ended with their resignations.

The panel revealed in the statement that it has opened 20 investigations involving allegations of sexual misconduct against members of Congress since 2017. The panel also released a publicly disclosed list of more than two dozen congressional lawmakers who have been investigated for sexual misconduct, dating back to 1976.