House Ethics Panel reviewed 20 sexual misconduct allegations since 2017

The House Ethics Committee on Monday released a statement confirming that it had investigated 20 allegations of sexual misconduct by a member of the House since 2017.

"Over the last decade, the Committee has adopted a more aggressive and robust approach to allegations of sexual misconduct," the committee said in a statement. "Since 2017, the Committee has initiated investigations in 20 matters involving allegations of sexual misconduct by a Member. The Committee has also investigated several Members for their handling of allegations of sexual misconduct by their senior staff."

"Whenever the Committee found a Member to have engaged in or fostered an environment where sexual misconduct took place, the Committee released its findings," it added. "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's statement came in the wake of the resignations of former Reps. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, both of whom faced sexual harassment scandals.

"The Committee on Ethics (Committee) is dedicated to maintaining a congressional workplace free from sexual misconduct and ensuring that any individuals responsible for misconduct are held responsible for their behavior," he panel said. "There should be zero tolerance for sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination in the halls of Congress, or in any employment setting."

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.