Efforts to prohibit lawmakers from dating congressional staff are gaining momentum amid a series of high-profile sexual misconduct allegations on Capitol Hill.

On Tuesday, July 23, 2026, Jeff Crank, a Republican from Colorado, introduced legislation that would bar members of the House of Representatives from engaging in sexual relationships with any congressional staffers unless the House Ethics Committee determines there is no conflict of interest. Currently, members of Congress are prohibited from dating their personal employees or staff serving on their committees, but Crank’s proposal seeks to expand this restriction to all congressional staff.

The push for new rules follows reports from the New York Post alleging that Representative Gallego had consensual sexual relationships with at least two House staffers employed by other Democratic lawmakers during his tenure. A spokesperson for Gallego told Fox News Digital that the lawmaker supports the House bill and hopes to see Republicans who engage in relationships with staffers held accountable.

Speaker Mike Johnson has endorsed proposals banning lawmakers from dating congressional staff, emphasizing the need to protect staff and maintain confidence in the institution. Crank stated, "Even if a relationship is consensual, there is an inherent power imbalance that can undermine trust and create an appearance of impropriety." He also remarked, "I think it's inappropriate, as it would be in any workplace," and added, "We should, at a bare minimum in Congress, have, you know, rules and traditions that are adhered to in corporate America, so that's an easy one for me."

Meanwhile, Representatives Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, and Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., are expected to face expulsion votes this week over sexual misconduct allegations if they do not resign.

This legislative effort reflects growing bipartisan concern over workplace relationships in Congress and aims to establish clearer boundaries to uphold ethical standards.

Sources