Congressional Push Grows to Restrict Lawmaker Relationships With Staff

Momentum is building on Capitol Hill to implement stricter rules governing romantic relationships between lawmakers and their congressional staff. Rep. Jeff Crank, R-Colo., introduced a bill Tuesday that would prohibit House members from engaging in sexual relationships with any congressional staff member absent explicit clearance from the House Ethics Committee. The measure represents an escalation of existing restrictions that currently apply only to personal employees and committee staff.

The legislative effort follows a series of high-profile scandals involving former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif.; former Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas; Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif.; and Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz. A spokesperson for Gallego indicated the senator backs Crank’s House proposal and seeks accountability for Republicans involved in such relationships. The New York Post reported that Gallego had consensual sexual relationships with at least two House staffers employed by other Democratic lawmakers while serving in the chamber, though such conduct occurred before his marriage.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., signaled support for the initiative, stating that Congress should adopt workplace standards comparable to corporate America. Rep. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., separately proposed a rule banning all sexual relationships between members and congressional staffers, arguing that inherent power imbalances create impropriety regardless of consent.

The scandals intensified in April when multiple women accused Swalwell of unwanted sexual contact and rape. Swalwell, who apologized for “mistakes in judgment” while maintaining innocence, suspended his gubernatorial campaign and resigned from Congress. Gonzales resigned the same month after acknowledging an affair with a staffer who subsequently died by suicide, which he denied contributed to her death.