New legislation introduced is seeking to establish guidelines regarding relationships between House lawmakers and staff members in response to recent scandals on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., plans to present two bills focused on defining the interactions House representatives can have with their employees. The first is a House resolution restricting lawmakers from engaging in sexual activities with any chamber employee. The second bill prohibits lawmakers from cohabitating with House staff, with the exception of married couples.
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Mace emphasized the importance of prioritizing work over personal relationships for those in Congress. She stated, “If you’re a Member of Congress, your priorities should be serving your constituents and this country, not fooling around with staff.” The legislation applies to all members, regardless of gender, with a particular focus on male lawmakers abusing their positions.
“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 asserted.
SENATOR GALLEGO’S PAST RELATIONSHIPS ENTER PUBLIC SPOTLIGHT
Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., has recently been reported to have had relationships with two House staffers. Defenders argue the interactions didn’t break existing rules, as Gallego was unmarried and the staffers did not work directly for him.
In previous instances, former Rep. Eric Swalwell faced sexual misconduct allegations, which adversely affected his gubernatorial ambitions. Although Swalwell denied the allegations, he admitted to personal mistakes and apologized publicly.
Furthermore, Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, resigned amid scrutiny over an affair with a staff member who subsequently passed away. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., is also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for sexual harassment claims, which he denies.
Mace’s bills represent Congressional efforts to address ethical concerns in response to scandals. Among those supporting limits on lawmaker-staff relationships are Reps. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., Jeff Crank, R-Colo., Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
Both Cammack and Crank have proposed additional legislation setting boundaries for such conduct. These actions follow increased scrutiny over relationships involving Capitol Hill staff and lawmakers.
Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter at Fox News Digital, covers the House of Representatives. She has previously contributed to Daily Mail and CBS News.