By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Amidst two high-profile cases of alleged sexual misconduct, the House Ethics Committee released a list of 28 investigations into its members spanning decades, reaffirming its commitment to a workplace free from such behavior. Some of these investigations led to members leaving office, while others remained unresolved due to departure from the House. The committee stressed the seriousness with which it treats allegations and acknowledged that unreported matters may also exist. This disclosure follows increased pressure on congressional leadership to address alleged sexual abuse, highlighted by the recent resignations and retirements of lawmakers.
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It seems that in the halls of power, a concerning pattern of alleged sexual misconduct has been investigated, touching upon a significant number of House lawmakers over several decades. The House Ethics Committee, in its commitment to a workplace free from such issues, has brought to light a list of 28 investigations, spanning a considerable period of time. This undertaking acknowledges that such allegations are taken seriously, even as the committee notes that there may be matters that never reached their attention.
Looking at the individuals named, the list includes lawmakers from various eras and across different political parties. For instance, Representative Eric Swalwell, a Democrat, faced allegations of sexual misconduct, including with a staffer, though the Ethics Committee ultimately lost jurisdiction in his case. Similarly, Representative Tony Gonzales, a Republican, was investigated for an alleged sexual relationship with a staffer, also resulting in a loss of jurisdiction. Representative Cory Mills, another Republican, is currently under ongoing investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct and/or dating violence.
The list also features more prominent cases, such as Representative Matt Gaetz, a Republican, who faced allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor and solicitation of prostitution, with a public report finding violations. Representative George Santos, a Republican, was investigated for alleged sexual harassment of a staffer, but a public report found no such violations. Representative Madison Cawthorn, also a Republican, was investigated for an alleged improper relationship with a staffer, with a public report finding no violations. Representative Michael F. Q. San Nicolas, a Democrat, was investigated for an alleged sexual relationship with a staffer, and a public report found no violations.
Further back in time, Representative Tom Reed, a Republican, was investigated for alleged sexual harassment of a lobbyist, which also resulted in a loss of jurisdiction. Representative Alcee Hastings, a Democrat, appears twice on the list, with allegations of a sexual relationship with a staffer in one instance, leading to a public statement finding no violations, and allegations of sexual harassment of a staffer in another, where a public report also found no violations. Representative Katie Hill, a Democrat, faced allegations of a sexual relationship with a staffer, and jurisdiction was lost in her case.
The list continues with Representative Ruben Kihuen, a Democrat, who faced allegations of sexual harassment of campaign staffers and a lobbyist, with a public report finding violations. Representative Patrick Meehan, a Republican, was investigated for alleged sexual harassment of a staffer, leading to a loss of jurisdiction. Representative Blake Farenthold, a Republican, also faced allegations of sexual harassment of a staffer and lost jurisdiction. Representative Trent Franks, a Republican, was investigated for alleged sexual harassment of a staffer, resulting in a loss of jurisdiction. Representative John Conyers, a Democrat, was investigated for alleged sexual harassment of a staffer, and jurisdiction was lost. Representative Eric Massa, a Democrat, was investigated for alleged sexual harassment of staffers, and jurisdiction was lost.
The investigations extend to earlier periods as well. Representative Mark Foley and the House Page Investigation in 2006 involved sexual misconduct concerning House pages, leading to a loss of jurisdiction over Foley and a public report finding no violations by current members. Representative Gary Condit, a Democrat, faced allegations of a sexual relationship with a staffer, leading to a law enforcement deferral and loss of jurisdiction. Representative Mel Reynolds, a Democrat, was investigated for sexual misconduct with a minor, resulting in a loss of jurisdiction. Representative Barney Frank, a Democrat, was investigated for alleged sexual misconduct involving prostitution and/or use of the House gym, with a public report finding no violations. Representative Gus Savage, a Democrat, faced allegations of sexual harassment during official travel, and a public report found violations. Representative Jim Bates, a Democrat, was investigated for alleged sexual harassment of staffers, with a public report finding violations. Representative Donald “Buz” Lukens, a Republican, was investigated for sexual misconduct with a minor, and a public staff report found violations. The House “Sex and Drugs” Investigation in 1982-83 also looked into sexual misconduct involving House pages, with an interim report finding no violations by current members. Representative Gerry Studds, a Democrat, was investigated for sexual misconduct with a minor, and a public report found violations. Representative Daniel Crane, a Republican, was also investigated for sexual misconduct with a minor, with a public report finding violations. Finally, Representative Wayne Hays, a Democrat, faced allegations of a sexual relationship with a staffer, leading to a loss of jurisdiction.
It’s noteworthy that the outcomes of these investigations vary widely, from findings of no misconduct to public reports detailing violations, and in many cases, a loss of jurisdiction meant the Ethics Committee could not pursue further action, often because the lawmaker had already resigned or left office. The range of allegations, from relationships with staffers and lobbyists to more serious accusations involving minors and prostitution, paints a concerning picture of the conduct that has come under scrutiny within the legislative branch over the years. The committee’s acknowledgment of potential uninvestigated matters also underscores the complexity and sensitivity surrounding these issues.