New Legislation Targets House Lawmakers’ Relationships with Staffers

Legislation introduced seeks to prohibit House lawmakers from engaging in sexual relationships with staffers following recent Capitol Hill scandals.

Overview of the Proposal

Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., is set to propose two bills aiming to clarify permissible relationships between lawmakers and House of Representatives employees. One proposal outlines a ban on representatives having sexual relations with any House employees. The other prohibits lawmakers from living with staffers unless they are married to them.

Statements from Rep. Mace

Mace emphasized to Fox News Digital that congressional members should prioritize serving their constituents rather than engaging in inappropriate relationships with staff. She clarified that while the proposed sex ban applies to all members, it is specifically aimed at preventing male lawmakers from wielding power over female staff.

“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,” Mace stated.

Response to Recent Scandals

Recent scandals have highlighted the issue, with Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., becoming the latest figure involved in controversies regarding his relationships with aides. Reports indicate Gallego engaged in sexual relationships with two House staffers. However, defenders argue he violated no rules as he was unmarried and the staffers were not under his direct supervision.

The history of scandals includes former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., whose gubernatorial campaign collapsed following misconduct allegations. Swalwell resigned from Congress after admitting past mistakes and apologizing publicly.

Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, resigned due to an affair with a staff member who later died by suicide. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., faces a House Ethics Committee investigation over sexual harassment claims, which he denies.

Broader Congressional Support

Mace’s legislative effort is part of a broader push within Congress to address this issue. Reps. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., Jeff Crank, R-Colo., Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., have all backed restrictions on relationships between House members and staff.

Additionally, Cammack and Crank have introduced similar regulations. This reflects a growing consensus in Congress on the need to enforce ethical boundaries in workplace relationships.

Elizabeth Elkind reports on House of Representatives politics for Fox News Digital. Follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind or send tips to [email protected].