Johnson Backs Ban on Lawmaker Relationships With All Congressional Staff, Expanding 2018 Rule
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jul 21
Johnson Backs Ban on Lawmaker Relationships With All Congressional Staff, Expanding 2018 Rule
1 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jul 21
Summary
Mike Johnson said he supports barring House members from sexual relationships with any congressional aides, widening the current ban beyond subordinates in personal offices or committees.
The push gained momentum after House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain endorsed the broader restriction over the weekend and Johnson answered "yeah" when asked if he agreed.
Any change would require revising the House Code of Official Conduct, and backing from two top House Republicans signals a possible path to action even though no formal plan is clear.
The proposal follows reporting on Sen. Ruben Gallego's relationships with staffers outside his supervision and comes after 2 lawmakers resigned this year amid separate sexual misconduct allegations.
The House adopted its narrower rule in 2018 during the #MeToo era, banning member-subordinate relationships while exempting lawmakers married to staffers.