Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) said Tuesday that he would lead efforts to tighten House regulations following allegations of sexual misconduct against former Reps.
Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Tony Gonzales (R-TX).
“We are looking at every potential avenue to tighten rules and make sure that women have an avenue to report,” he said at a press conference.
Speaker Johnson underscored the personal importance of the issue, noting that he has two daughters who work on Capitol Hill.
“Very serious to me, all right?
I’m a father, I’m not just the speaker of the House,” he said. “We have to protect women and anyone who feels like there’s any inappropriate behavior whatsoever.
So, if there are ways to tighten the rules, suggestions, we’re seeking that from all members, we’re open to that … and I will lead that myself.”
He also pointed to candidate recruitment as a contributing factor, stressing the need for higher standards.
“We don’t need people running for Congress because they want to be famous.
We don’t need people running for Congress because they see it as some sort of opportunity for their own individual endeavors,” he said. “In the meantime, we’re going to tighten up the rules and make sure that we’re on top of that.”
#tonygonzales #ericswalwell #mikejohnson #cspan