New Legislation Aims to Restrict Lawmakers’ Relationships with Staff

House Representative Nancy Mace, R-S.C., plans to introduce two bills targeting the conduct of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit members of the House from engaging in sexual relationships with staff members. This is in response to recent scandals that have sparked calls for clearer rules governing such conduct.

The first bill is a House resolution preventing lawmakers from having sexual relations with any employees of the chamber. The second bill would restrict lawmakers from living with House staff, except if they are legally married. Mace stated this measure is necessary to prevent abuse of power, particularly by male legislators, over female staffers.

Mace emphasized, “If you’re a Member of Congress, your priorities should be serving your constituents and this country.”

Senator Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., is among recent figures involved in controversies. Gallego’s relationships with two House staffers were publicized, though defenders note he was unmarried and the staff did not work directly for him. These incidents have fueled the push for legislative action.

Other notable cases include Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., who faced accusations that impacted his political career, and Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, whose resignation followed an affair with a staff member. Similarly, Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., faces an ethics probe over harassment allegations.

This initiative by Mace parallels efforts by other House members like Reps. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., and Jeff Crank, R-Colo., who support restrictions on relationships between lawmakers and staff. These actions underscore Congress’ response to the ethical challenges arising from recent scandals.

Elizabeth Elkind, a politics reporter for Fox News Digital, provides extensive coverage of the developments from the House of Representatives. Follow her reporting on Twitter for updates.