Speaker Johnson Says ‘Despicable Behavior’ In Politics Is Nothing New In Wild Defense Of Ethics Committee
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) said politicians behaving badly is nothing new while defending criticism aimed at the House Ethics Committee after two congressmen resigned last week amid sexual misconduct scandals.
Asked during a Tuesday press conference if the committee is actually providing victims a viable way to report misconduct on Capitol Hill, Johnson began with a shaky explanation for why he believes Congress was doing the “best we can under difficult circumstances.”
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“There’s always been untoward activity among political figures,” Johnson said. “Going back to time immemorial there’s always been marital infidelity, there’s always been despicable behavior.”
The speaker argued it was far more difficult to expose abuses of power before the advent of smartphones and the 24-hour news cycle, meaning today’s House Ethics Committee was busier and therefore more important than ever before.
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Calling the 10-person bipartisan committee an “essential” part of maintaining the public’s “faith in the institution,” he then addressed critics who said extended investigations and an opaque reporting process have failed to offer a path for victims to get swift and meaningful justice.
“You can’t just take action against a member based on allegations,” he said, admitting that also ensuring lawmakers have due process means “sometimes it takes a long time” for investigations to play out.
Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) both resigned last Tuesday after admitting to inappropriate relationships with subordinates. Swalwell, who also said he was dropping his bid for California governor, denied allegations he sexually assaulted a staff member, however.
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Both scandals were exposed by the press, prompting people to question if Congress’ current channels for addressing misconduct were actually working.
In response, Johnson said he was “looking at every potential avenue” to make the process easier for people to come forward, telling reporters he took the issue both seriously and personally because of his daughters’ jobs on Capitol Hill.
“We have to protect women and anyone who feels like there’s any inappropriate behavior whatsoever,” the speaker said. “If there are ways to tighten the rules, suggestions, we’re seeking that from all members, we’re open to that.”
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