House Ethics Committee Faces Pressure to Speed Up Misconduct Probes Ahead of Midterms

Democratic and Republican lawmakers are urging the House Ethics Committee to shorten the timeline of investigations into sexual-misconduct and domestic-abuse accusations involving Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) and Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio). The calls come as the two members under investigation seek reelection and the 2024 midterm elections approach, leaving voters uncertain about the status of the allegations and any potential disciplinary outcomes.

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The current scrutiny follows a series of high-profile probes that have lingered for months or years. Former members Tony Gonzales (R-Tex.) and Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) resigned while investigations were pending, and Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) dropped his campaign after the committee recommended formal censure for violating the chamber’s harassment policies. Lawmakers on both sides have highlighted the pattern of prolonged inquiries as a “safe haven for abusers.”

The Hill

Democratic Women’s Caucus Chair Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández (N.M.) said the committee’s “process…takes too long” and urged reforms that put staff voices first. Republican Women’s Caucus Chair Rep. Kat Cammack (Fla.) called for urgent action, stating that if the allegations are substantiated, Gomez must resign and any criminal conduct should be prosecuted. Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) indicated the panel would be “receptive” to changes that add resources or jurisdiction, leaving the decision to House leadership. Rep. Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.) echoed the sentiment that delayed investigations enable misconduct to persist.

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• “Right now we’re talking with staff to finalize proposals that put staff voices and experiences first, but ultimately our work is about changing a culture that has allowed perpetrators to abuse their power without accountability.” — Republican Women’s Caucus

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• “If leadership wishes to change the Ethics process and the fact of additional resources, additional jurisdiction, I think that is a decision for the Speaker and the minority leader to make in conjunction with one another,” — Michael Guest, ethics committee chair

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• “We fully expect that the House Committee on Ethics will come to the same conclusion in its investigation.” — Rep. Kat Cammack

The Hill

These statements underscore a bipartisan push for procedural reforms before voters head to the polls, while the Ethics Committee’s next steps remain pending.

The Hill