Rep. Jeff Crank, R‑Colorado, introduced new legislation that would prohibit House members from engaging in sexual relationships with any congressional staffers unless the House Ethics Committee determines the relationship poses no conflict of interest.
The proposal follows a series of high‑profile sexual misconduct allegations involving former Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Rep. Tony Gonzales, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, and Sen. Ruben Gallego.
Sen. Gallego has publicly expressed support for the bill, emphasizing the need for accountability among lawmakers who maintain relationships with staff.
Current rules already forbid members from dating personal employees or committee staff; Crank’s measure would extend that restriction to all congressional staff pending ethics approval.
Speaker Mike Johnson voiced his backing for the initiative, comparing the need for clear boundaries in Congress to standards found in corporate workplaces.
Rep. Lisa McClain has proposed a separate rule that would ban any sexual contact between members and staffers, citing power imbalances and the importance of preserving institutional trust.
The push for stricter workplace rules intensified after allegations surfaced that Sen. Gallego had engaged in consensual relationships with at least two House staffers employed by other lawmakers while he was a member of the House.
Gallego has not denied the allegations but stated he would not discuss the matter publicly, noting that the relationships occurred before his marriage.
In April, several women accused Rep. Swalwell of unwanted sexual contact, including rape. Swalwell apologized for unspecified “mistakes in judgment,” suspended his gubernatorial campaign, and resigned from Congress
