A bipartisan task force led by Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., is preparing to release recommendations for significant changes to sexual harassment rules on Capitol Hill. The review follows a year marked by a surge in House Ethics Committee investigations, resulting in the resignations of three lawmakers and the censure of another. The group aims to finalize its proposals after the November 3 elections, with the goal of implementing changes before the end of the year.
The working group was established after Cammack and Leger Fernandez identified widespread dissatisfaction with the current system among former staffers and current employees. According to Cammack, former staffers "came out of the woodwork" to share stories they had previously kept silent about, fearing career repercussions. The task force has conducted listening sessions with lawmakers, staff, military personnel, corporate leaders, and victims' advocacy groups to gather best practices.
What the Right Is Saying
Republican leaders, including Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., have supported the task force initiative, with Johnson telling Cammack that the effort was well-timed. Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., who helped launch the review, argued that the current rules are insufficient to prevent misconduct, stating, "If you are looking to advance your love life on Capitol Hill, you're there for the wrong reason, in my opinion." The conservative perspective within the task force emphasizes personal accountability and the need to restore public trust in the institution.
However, not all Republican figures involved in recent ethics cases have accepted the premise of systemic failure in the same way. Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., who is under investigation, stated his actions were consensual and did not violate the law or House Ethics rules, though he apologized to his family. Similarly, Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., denied allegations of sexual misconduct and dating violence. The Republican-led task force effort seeks to address these issues through rule changes rather than punitive measures alone, aiming for a consensus that allows Congress to function while addressing misconduct.
What the Left Is Saying
Democratic leaders and members of the Women's Caucus argue that the current structure creates a chilling effect for victims who lack clear pathways to justice. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., stated that the existing system is "a disaster" and described the lack of trust in repercussions for perpetrators as a primary failure. She proposed creating a "911 for sexual harassment line" to streamline the reporting process, ensuring staff know exactly where to turn for help and what their options are.
Leger Fernandez emphasized the emotional toll of the current climate, noting, "The fact that we're still trying to insist that it is not OK to sexually abuse or harass women in 2026 is outrageous, and if you're a woman, is so incredibly frustrating and sad." The Democratic perspective focuses on structural reform, including expanding the ban on sexual relationships to cover all congressional staff, not just those within a member's immediate office or committee. This aligns with broader efforts by the Democratic Women's Caucus, which has pushed for transparency and accountability in cases involving the Department of Justice and congressional ethics.
What the Numbers Show
The House Ethics Committee has faced an unprecedented number of high-profile cases this year. Three lawmakers resigned amid investigations: Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, both facing allegations of sexual misconduct, and a third member whose case also involved misconduct allegations. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., was censured by the House in a vote of 413-2 following an investigation that found he engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two female staffers. The current reporting window for sexual harassment claims in Congress is 180 days, known as the "shot clock," which Cammack criticized as a barrier to reporting. In contrast, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission allows up to 300 days for filing complaints in certain private-sector cases covered by state or local laws. The task force is considering extending the congressional filing window to match or exceed this standard.
The Bottom Line
The task force's recommendations will likely require changes to House rules and potentially the Congressional Accountability Act, which would need Senate approval to alter statutory filing deadlines. The proposed changes include expanding the ban on sexual relationships to all congressional staff, creating a centralized reporting line, and extending the time frame for filing claims. These reforms come as Congress seeks to address public outrage over ethics violations and restore confidence in its internal oversight mechanisms. The final report is expected after the November 3 elections, with implementation targeted for the end of the year.