Public Release of Ethics Investigations

Official: Directing the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records of the Committee's review of violations or alleged violations of clause 9 (as it pertains to acts of sexual harassment) and clause 18 of rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

IntroducedMarch 4, 2026

CongressGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsSex offensesHouse Committee on Ethics

Why This Matters

This resolution directs the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records related to sexual harassment investigations involving Members of Congress.

If you want to see how Congress handles sexual harassment claims, this resolution aims to make that information public.

Affects: This resolution affects Members of Congress, their staff, and individuals who report harassment within the House of Representatives.

Summary

This resolution directs the House Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly disclose records related to violations or alleged violations of the Code of Official Conduct involving acts of sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual advance, or sexual assault by a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner. (The Code of Official Conduct is Rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives.) Under the resolution, the committee must preserve all records (including investigative materials) of such a violation or alleged violation. Further, within 60 days after the resolution is adopted, the committee must publicly release available reports, conclusions, recommendations, exhibits, and attachments related to such investigations. The personally identifiable information of victims, alleged victims, and witnesses must be redacted.

What does this resolution do?

1. The resolution directs the Committee on Ethics to keep records of sexual harassment investigations. 2. It requires the Committee to publicly share findings within 60 days of the resolution's adoption. 3. Victims' personal information will be protected and redacted in the released documents. 4. The resolution emphasizes the importance of accountability for Members of Congress regarding sexual harassment.