House Ethics Panel Asks Victims to Come Forward

The House Ethics Committee publicly asked Monday that victims and witnesses report sexual misconduct involving lawmakers or staff members to the panel, an unusual step even as criticism of the way Congress polices such cases is building. In a statement, the committee said it has adopted a "more aggressive and robust approach" to sexual misconduct over the past decade, the Washington Post reports, and noted it has opened 20 such investigations since 2017. The biggest obstacle the investigations face, the panel said, is persuading victims and witnesses to come forward. The committee pledged to protect their "confidentiality and safety."

People with such information also can contact the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights or the House's Office of Employee Advocacy, the statement said, per Politico. Lawmakers in both parties are considering whether the current process is too slow or too weak after the resignations last week of Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales. One proposal is for an independent body with subpoena power that could lead to quick expulsions. The committee listed just one ongoing investigation: Republican Rep. Cory Mills is accused of sexual misconduct and violence by an ex-girlfriend. He denies the allegations.