The House Ethics Committee released on Monday a list of all its “publicly disclosed investigative matters involving alleged sexual misconduct by members.”
The record shows the committee has initiated 28 investigations into such allegations since 1976, with fourteen Democrats and twelve Republicans implicated. The late Representative Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) was twice investigated for pursuing a “sexual relationship with a staffer” in 2014 and again in 2020 before his death in 2021. He was succeeded by Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.), who recently faced scrutiny over 25 ethics violations linked to an investigation into her alleged mismanagement of $5 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds.
Another case from 1982 to 1983 involved House pages, resulting in the censuring of Representatives Gerry Studds (D-Mass.) and Dan Crane (R-Ill.), though neither was expelled. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) resigned prior to findings being released after being probed for “[s]exual misconduct with a minor” and “solicitation of prostitution.”
The Ethics Committee no longer has jurisdiction over investigations into California Democrat Eric Swalwell and Texas Republican Tony Gonzales, who both resigned following allegations. Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) remains under probe for alleged “[s]exual misconduct and/or dating violence.”
In a statement accompanying the list, the committee encouraged individuals who may have experienced sexual misconduct by members or staff to come forward. “There should be zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination in the halls of Congress, or in any employment setting,” it said. The committee also noted that “the greatest hurdle the Committee faces in evaluating allegations of sexual misconduct is in convincing the most vulnerable witnesses to share their stories.”
“The Committee’s practice has been to release only the information necessary to hold Members accountable for misconduct and address public reporting that impacts the integrity of the House,” the statement added. The committee reported it has initiated 20 investigations involving sexual misconduct by lawmakers since 2017.
Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor amid allegations of sexual assault he denies, while Gonzales dropped his reelection bid earlier this year after admitting to a relationship with a staffer who later died by suicide. Gonzales described the incident as “a mistake” and “a lapse in judgement.” Swalwell’s attorney, Sara Azari, recently characterized the allegations as “false.”