The House of Representatives stood on the precipice of an unprecedented reckoning. Just days ago, the possibility of four simultaneous expulsions loomed large, a dramatic upheaval unseen in modern congressional history. Expulsion is a rare and severe act – only six members have ever been removed from office since the founding of the republic.
The first dominoes fell swiftly. Former Representative Eric Swalwell, facing serious allegations of sexual assault, initially vowed to fight the claims. But as support evaporated, he abandoned his gubernatorial ambitions and ultimately resigned, sidestepping a potentially humiliating expulsion vote. A similar fate befell Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican embroiled in scandal and facing a tough primary challenge.
Gonzales initially denied an affair linked to a tragic suicide, but mounting pressure forced him to withdraw from his re-election bid. Though he intended to serve out his term, he too, has now departed. With Swalwell and Gonzales gone, the focus shifted to two remaining members facing intense scrutiny: Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Cory Mills.
The case against Cherfilus-McCormick is particularly stark. The House Ethics Committee conducted a rare trial, concluding she improperly obtained a staggering $5 million in COVID relief funds. A formal recommendation for punishment is expected soon, and Speaker Johnson has publicly predicted her expulsion. She maintains her innocence, bracing for a criminal trial years away.
Meanwhile, Representative Cory Mills faces accusations of exaggerating his military record – “stolen valor” – and, more recently, allegations of domestic violence. A restraining order was issued against him, though criminal charges were never filed. The Ethics Committee is investigating, but their inquiry lags behind the progress made in the Cherfilus-McCormick case.
The potential for a balanced reckoning – two Democrats and two Republicans removed – seemed to offer a path forward. But the resignations of Swalwell and Gonzales have thrown the delicate political calculus into disarray. The House, already operating with a razor-thin majority, is now acutely aware of the implications of any disciplinary action.
The addition of a new Republican member, Clay Fuller, following a special election, is likely to be offset by an anticipated Democratic victory in New Jersey. This means the balance of power remains precarious, with every vote carrying immense weight. The prospect of expelling Cherfilus-McCormick without addressing Mills’s situation threatens to disrupt that fragile equilibrium.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, stating his focus remains on addressing the issues as they arise. However, the underlying concern is clear: Democrats are wary of absorbing a loss in representation without a corresponding consequence for the Republican party.
This isn’t simply about punishing individual members; it’s about power. Republicans, clinging to a narrow majority, may hesitate to cede ground to Democrats. Conversely, Democrats are unlikely to accept a disadvantage when they are within striking distance of regaining control. The political stakes are exceptionally high.
Beyond expulsions, the House is witnessing a surge in “censures” – formal expressions of disapproval. This represents a troubling trend, with the number of censures dramatically increasing in recent years. Speaker Johnson himself has described this as a “weaponization” of the ethics process, suggesting a growing willingness to use disciplinary measures for political gain.
The path forward remains uncertain. Lawmakers may be reluctant to force a difficult vote on expulsion, preferring instead to utilize procedural maneuvers like motions to table or refer, effectively delaying or avoiding a direct confrontation. These tactics offer a political shield, allowing members to avoid taking a definitive stand.
What began as a potential “expulsion week” has morphed into “resignation week.” Whether further disciplinary action will be taken remains to be seen. Congress finds itself navigating uncharted territory, establishing new precedents and grappling with the delicate balance of power in a deeply divided nation.
