FALLING STAR

House Launches Sexual Misconduct Investigation Into Swalwell

The probe comes as the once-rising Democratic star faces bipartisan calls to be expelled from Congress.

The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell as he faces mounting accusations of sexual misconduct. The California lawmaker announced late Sunday that he was ending his bid for governor as he faces allegations of assault and misconduct despite denying the allegations. The 45-year-old has been accused by four separate women of sexual misconduct, including a former staffer who says the Democratic lawmaker raped her, according to reports by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle. On Monday, the House Ethics Committee announced it was launching a probe “with respect to allegations that he may have engaged in sexual misconduct, including towards an employee working under his supervision.“ The Daily Beast asked Swalwell’s office for comment on the new investigation. The California lawmaker has repeatedly denied the allegations and vowed to fight them. Swalwell is facing bipartisan calls to resign or be expelled from Congress as lawmakers grow fed up on Capitol Hill. The effort picked up steam over the weekend as multiple Democrats and Republicans said they would vote to remove both the California Democrat and Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales. Gonzales was also accused of inappropriate sexual behavior by staff. While he ended his reelection bid, the Texas Republican remains in Congress. GOP Rep. Anna Paulina Luna wrote on Sunday that she was filing a motion to expel Swalwell. In another post, the Florida congresswoman called Swalwell and Gonzales “a disgrace.” New Mexico Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez indicated she would introduce the resolution against Gonzales. The escalating criticism comes as members of the House return this week from a more than two-week vacation, facing a series of pressing issues. But multiple lawmakers were quick to weigh in, voicing support for removing both men.

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Sarah Ewall-WicePolitical Reporter

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