Under mounting scrutiny over how Congress polices its own, House leaders on Wednesday rolled out a bipartisan plan to overhaul how the U.S. House handles sexual misconduct. Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed the effort and tapped Republican Rep. Kat Cammack and Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández to lead the review, a rare cross-aisle pairing that arrives after recent allegations forced two members from office.
What Leaders Announced
In a press release via the Democratic Women's Caucus, the two caucuses said they will map out reforms to make Congress a safer workplace and will coordinate next steps with the House Administration Committee. The announcement formally named Reps. Kat Cammack and Teresa Leger Fernández as the bipartisan review leads, tasked with scrutinizing reporting systems, training requirements and survivor support.
Cammack said the group will examine “systems, reporting mechanisms and the workplace culture” that can deter staff from coming forward. Jeffries added, “We support an ironclad policy so we can bring about a safe, professional atmosphere for all Congressional staff members.”
Why Now
Lawmakers say the push follows the resignations of Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales amid accusations of sexual misconduct, and it comes amid heightened attention to how the House investigates its members. The House Ethics Committee recently released a public list of past misconduct probes and urged anyone with relevant information to step up, a move detailed by The Washington Post.
What The Working Group Will Examine
Members say the review will focus on speeding up reporting, strengthening anti-retaliation protections and expanding mandatory training for both lawmakers and staff. Potential reforms under discussion include clearer reporting channels and more survivor-centered supports, according to reporting by Axios. The aim, several members have suggested, is a process that staff actually trust enough to use.
Legal And Oversight
Investigations and local inquiries remain active even as the members involved leave office. Eric Swalwell faced multiple allegations, and local prosecutors moved to probe at least one claim, while Tony Gonzales resigned after admitting a relationship with a staffer, developments explained by the Los Angeles Times. Lawmakers in both parties have responded by floating reforms that range from faster ethics investigations to creating an independent investigative body with subpoena power.
What Comes Next
Reps. Cammack and Leger Fernández will work with House Administration Committee Chair Bryan Steil and Ranking Member Joe Morelle in an ex officio capacity as they hammer out formal proposals for leadership, according to the Democratic Women's Caucus release. Officials say the caucuses will prioritize prevention, transparency, education and reliable reporting systems as they craft recommended changes, setting up what could be a significant rewrite of how the House handles misconduct cases behind the scenes.
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