Congress reaches the breaking point on its ethics crisis

Axios
by Andrew Solender
April 13, 2026
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3 min read

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The Bottom Line

Two House members are leaving Congress amid ethics scandals, highlighting an ongoing crisis.

How This Affects You

The ongoing ethics crisis in Congress could erode public trust in government and affect legislative effectiveness.

AI Summary

Two House members, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), announced plans to leave Congress voluntarily on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, amidst ethics scandals. Swalwell's resignation follows allegations of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, while Gonzales' "retirement from office" comes after an Ethics Committee investigation into an affair with a staffer. These departures highlight Congress' ongoing ethics crisis, with other lawmakers still facing scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) was found guilty by an Ethics subcommittee of funneling $5 million in Covid relief funds to her campaign, and Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) is under investigation for alleged domestic abuse and financial misconduct. The Ethics panel is set to meet on April 21 to determine sanctions for Cherfilus-McCormick, with Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) vowing to force an expulsion vote after the process concludes.

What's Being Done

The House Ethics Committee is investigating other lawmakers and will meet April 21 to determine sanctions for Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick.

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Congressional Resignations and Ethics Allegations

Two U.S. Representatives, Republican Tony Gonzales and Democrat Eric Swalwell, announced their resignations from Congress amid separate sexual misconduct allegations and threats of expulsion. The House Ethics Committee has launched investigations into both lawmakers, leading to a shake-up in their respective political landscapes.

Congressmen Resign Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Two U.S. Representatives, Democrat Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Tony Gonzales of Texas, announced their resignations from Congress following separate sexual misconduct allegations. Their departures have created political ripples and raised questions about congressional ethics.

Government Spending & Oversight

Tracking how taxpayer dollars are spent, where oversight gaps exist, and what watchdogs are uncovering. From federal budget battles and earmark controversies to inspector general reports and GAO audits, this deep dive follows the money trail through every level of government. We examine defense spending, entitlement programs, infrastructure investments, and the growing national debt — focusing on accountability, waste, and the policies that shape how America allocates its resources.

Congressman Resignations Amid Allegations

Two U.S. Congressmen, Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Tony Gonzales, announced their resignations from the House of Representatives. Both resignations followed allegations of misconduct, including sexual misconduct and an affair with a staffer.

Congressional Resignations Amid Misconduct Allegations

Two US congressmen, Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), have announced their resignations from the House of Representatives. Both decisions come amidst allegations of sexual misconduct and, in Gonzales' case, an impending expulsion vote.

US Congress Members Resign Amid Misconduct Allegations

Two U.S. Congress members, Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), have announced their resignations following allegations of sexual misconduct and facing potential expulsion votes. These developments have highlighted an ethics crisis within Congress.

Congressional Resignations Amid Misconduct Allegations

Two US Congressmen, Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Tony Gonzales, announced their resignations following allegations of sexual misconduct and other issues. These departures highlight an ethics crisis in Congress and have significant implications for their respective parties and upcoming elections.

Congressmen Swalwell and Gonzales Resign Amid Scandals

Two US Congressmen, Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Tony Gonzales, have announced their resignations from the House of Representatives. Swalwell's decision follows multiple sexual misconduct allegations, while Gonzales is stepping down amid an expulsion threat and admission of an affair with a staffer.

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