House Speaker Mike Johnson Supports Ban on Lawmakers Dating Hill Staff

House Speaker Mike Johnson told Axios he supports banning members of Congress from having romantic or sexual relationships with Capitol Hill staff. Johnson stated that such relationships are inappropriate and that Congress should have rules similar to those in corporate America. A bipartisan House task force on sexual misconduct is considering a proposal to ban lawmaker-staffer relations, citing the power dynamic imbalance between lawmakers and staff. The task force is reportedly 70% of the way to agreeing on a broader package of recommendations.

The discussion about tightening House workplace rules comes after several lawmakers faced allegations of sexual misconduct, including Reps. Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell, who resigned earlier this year. Rep. Kat Cammack, the GOP lead on the task force, noted that even if a relationship is consensual, the power imbalance can undermine trust and create an appearance of impropriety.

Other lawmakers, including Rep. Chuck Edwards and Rep. Cory Mills, are under House Ethics investigation for alleged sexual harassment and other misconduct. The New York Post reported that Senator Ruben Gallego had romantic relationships with two staffers outside of his office while he served in the House. In response, House Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain called for a ban on member relations with congressional staff, citing the inherent power imbalance.