Mike Johnson backs ban on lawmakers dating Hill staff
Summary
House Speaker Mike Johnson supports banning members of Congress from having romantic or sexual relationships with Capitol Hill staff. This comes as Congress works on improving rules to address sexual misconduct and harassment after several scandals this year.Key Facts
- Mike Johnson said relationships between lawmakers and Hill staff are inappropriate because of power imbalances.
- Current House rules ban relationships between members and their own office staff but not staff outside their offices.
- A bipartisan House task force is considering a full ban on such relationships to prevent abuse of power.
- Rep. Kat Cammack said lawmakers should not date any staff because of the strong power difference.
- Two lawmakers resigned earlier this year after sexual misconduct allegations: Rep. Tony Gonzales and Rep. Eric Swalwell.
- Rep. Chuck Edwards and Rep. Cory Mills are under House Ethics investigations for harassment and other misconduct.
- Senator Ruben Gallego was reported to have had relationships with staff when he was in the House but declined to comment.
- House GOP leader Lisa McClain called for banning relationships with congressional staff to protect trust and prevent misuse of power.
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