Calls for Expulsion of House Members Amid Misconduct Allegations

Bipartisan calls for the expulsion of several House members, including Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), have intensified following allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell recently ended his gubernatorial campaign amid accusations of sexual assault against a former aide, while Gonzales admitted to having an affair with a former staffer who later died under tragic circumstances. The situation has prompted discussions about the ethical standards expected of lawmakers and the potential for significant political upheaval in the House.

The Hill

• Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.): Accused of sexual assault and misconduct, leading to calls for his expulsion.

The Hill

• Tony Gonzales (R-Texas): Admitted to an affair with a former staffer and is under investigation for sending explicit messages.

The Hill

• Cory Mills (R-Fla.): Facing scrutiny for allegations of dating violence and harassment, Mills has been included in the expulsion discussions despite his insistence that he does not belong in the same category as Swalwell and Gonzales.

The Hill

• Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.): Under investigation for multiple ethics violations, including misuse of federal funds.

The Hill

• Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Nancy Mace (R-S.C.): Both have been vocal in their calls for expulsion of the accused members.

The Hill

The House Ethics Committee is currently investigating Swalwell, Gonzales, Mills, and Cherfilus-McCormick. A resolution to expel a member requires a two-thirds majority in the House, and while there is growing momentum for such actions, questions about due process and the completion of investigations may complicate matters. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has emphasized the importance of allowing the Ethics Committee to conclude its investigations before any punitive measures are taken.

The Hill

Rep. Mace has called for immediate votes to expel the accused members if they do not resign, stating, “Time to clean House. These members have proven through their own actions they are unfit to serve.” Conversely, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has advocated for the process to unfold through the Ethics Committee.

The Hill

Critics of the expulsion efforts, including Mills, argue that the allegations against him are politically motivated and do not warrant expulsion. Mills stated, “It’s just interesting kind of seeing how you’re guilty by accusation as opposed to the way the rule of law truly works.” He has faced allegations of harassment and violence, but maintains that he has not been formally charged or prosecuted.

The Hill

There are discrepancies regarding the severity and implications of the allegations against the members involved. While some lawmakers advocate for immediate expulsion, others call for a thorough investigation to ensure due process is upheld. The Ethics Committee's findings will be crucial in determining the next steps for the implicated members.

The Hill

The House Ethics Committee is expected to hold a public hearing soon, particularly regarding Cherfilus-McCormick, which could lead to a vote on expulsion. The political landscape in the House may shift significantly depending on the outcomes of these investigations and the actions taken by the members involved.

The Hill

• “Time to clean House. These members have proven through their own actions they are unfit to serve,” — Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.)

The Hill

• “It’s just interesting kind of seeing how you’re guilty by accusation as opposed to the way the rule of law truly works,” Mills said.” — Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.)

The Hill

• “There is NO dignity in being expelled if I could go back in time I’d do it differently, I’d do it in my own term,” — Former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.)

The Hill