Ethics Committee Investigates Jimmy Gomez for Sexual Harassment and Assault After Monday Probe Disclosure
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Aug 19
Ethics Committee Investigates Jimmy Gomez for Sexual Harassment and Assault After Monday Probe Disclosure
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Aug 19
Summary
Lawyers for a woman interviewed by the House Ethics Committee said Rep. Jimmy Gomez is being investigated for alleged sexual harassment and assault, sharpening Monday’s broader disclosure of a sexual-misconduct probe.
Monday’s committee notice said it was examining whether Gomez engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer, but the panel’s secretive process had not previously specified harassment and assault allegations.
Gomez said past extramarital affairs were consensual and did not violate the law or House rules, adding that he respects the inquiry and expects a full review to clear him.
Current House rules allow consensual relationships with staffers who are not a lawmaker’s subordinate, though Reps. Kat Cammack and Teresa Leger Fernández plan a September ethics overhaul to tighten those standards and speed investigations.
The push comes after 2 lawmakers—Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales—left Congress within a week of each other amid serious misconduct accusations involving staffers, intensifying pressure for tougher enforcement on Capitol Hill.