New ethics rules restricting relationships between members of Congress and congressional staff are gaining traction on Capitol Hill, spurred by multiple recent scandals involving lawmakers. The proposals seek to draw clearer lines following controversies involving figures such as former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., former Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.
Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., introduced legislation Tuesday that would prohibit House members from engaging in sexual relationships with any congressional staffers, unless the House Ethics Committee determines such contact does not present a conflict of interest. Current rules already ban members from dating their personal employees or staff serving on their committees, but Crank's proposal would extend this prohibition to all congressional staff, pending ethics committee review.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., has expressed support for strengthening these regulations. "I think it's inappropriate, as it would be in any workplace," Johnson stated, adding that Congress should adhere to standards similar to those in corporate America. He also endorsed a new rule proposed by Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., that would ban all sexual relationships between members and any congressional staffers.
"Even if a relationship is consensual, there is an inherent power imbalance that can undermine trust and create an appearance of impropriety," McClain said in a social media post. "The goal should be protecting staff and maintaining confidence in the institution."
The recent surge in legislative efforts follows several high-profile cases. In April, multiple women accused Swalwell of unwanted sexual contact, leading him to suspend his gubernatorial campaign and resign from Congress. While Swalwell denied the accusations, he apologized for unspecified "mistakes in judgment."
Also in April, Gonzales resigned from the House after admitting to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. Gonzales maintained that the affair did not contribute to her death.
Senator Ruben Gallego's alleged involvement in consensual sexual relationships with at least two House staffers from other Democratic lawmakers' offices before his marriage has also drawn attention. A spokesperson for Gallego told Fox News Digital that the lawmaker supports the House bill and believes Republicans involved in such relationships with staffers should be held accountable. Gallego has not denied the allegations but stated he would not "engage in gossip."