New Legislation Aims to Define Ethics in Congress

New legislation introduced aims to prohibit sexual relationships between House lawmakers and their staff. Recent scandals have prompted this move for clearer boundaries in professional conduct within Capitol Hill.

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., proposes two bills addressing these ethical concerns. One seeks to prevent House lawmakers from engaging in sexual relationships with any employee of the chamber. The second targets living arrangements, ensuring lawmakers do not reside with staff members, unless they are legally married and cohabiting.

Mace emphasized, “Congress is not your personal dating pool. If you can’t do your job without hitting on staff, find another job and leave the women you work with alone.”

Her measures respond to past incidents involving members of Congress, such as Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., who faced reports of past relationships with House aides. Defenders noted that the relationships did not violate rules, as Gallego was unmarried, and the aides were not his subordinates.

Similarly, former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., confronted sexual misconduct allegations that impacted his political career. Despite denial, these claims forced his resignation. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, also resigned after scrutiny over an affair, and Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C. is under investigation for sexual harassment, though allegations are denied.

The bills introduced by Mace are part of a broader effort to address these issues. Support comes from Reps. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., Jeff Crank, R-Colo., Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who endorse similar restrictions on House members’ relationships with staff.

Fox News Digital coverage is led by politics reporter Elizabeth Elkind, whose work includes articles for Daily Mail and CBS News.