The House Ethics Committee revealed it has investigated 20 sexual misconduct allegations by members of the chamber since 2017.
“Since 2017, the Committee has initiated investigations in 20 matters involving allegations of sexual misconduct by a Member,” the committee wrote in a press release. “The Committee has also investigated several Members for their handling of allegations of sexual misconduct by their senior staff.”
The committee added:
Whenever the Committee found a Member to have engaged in or fostered an environment where sexual misconduct took place, the Committee released its findings. The Committee has taken the position that conduct that falls short of legal definitions of sexual harassment or assault under federal or state statutes can still be a violation of the Code of Official Conduct, which imposes a higher standard on Members of the House. The Committee has also consistently publicly announced its investigations into publicly reported allegations of sexual misconduct and has announced any findings in those matters. Enclosed is a historical chart of the Committee’s public precedent relating to sexual misconduct by Members.Some sexual misconduct matters that the Committee may have otherwise reviewed were removed from the Committee’s jurisdiction by the subject’s resignation, retirement, or departure from House employment. Moreover, unfortunately, there likely exist matters never reported to the Committee. As the Committee has repeatedly asserted to the House community, through investigative matters and other actions, it treats allegations of sexual misconduct with the utmost seriousness.
Sexual assault and misconduct allegations against former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) has led to more pressure on the committee to release information about investigations.
The committee explained the silence (emphasis mine):
The greatest hurdle the Committee faces in evaluating allegations of sexual misconduct is in convincing the most vulnerable witnesses to share their stories. Accordingly, the Committee’s practice has been to release only the information that is necessary to hold Members accountable for misconduct and address public reporting that impacts the integrity of the House. The Committee does not release transcripts of its interviews or share the source of allegations. The Committee will continue to prioritize witness confidentiality and safety, so that those witnesses feel comfortable coming forward and providing the Committee the opportunity to hold wrongdoers accountable. Where the Committee finds evidence of sexual misconduct, it will continue to publicly release its findings and seek appropriate sanctions.
We forget that these scandals include victims. We forget that these alleged victims are accusing powerful people of horrendous actions.
Some of those lawmakers can destroy someone with a phone call. It’s scary. You cannot force a person to share a story.
The alleged victims deserve privacy and the choice when to share their story.
It’s hard to release the names of lawmakers or their staff members while protecting the accuser’s identity. You know the lawmaker would be eager to leak names, or even the names of people who oppose them. Both can use the accuser to their advantage.
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