Congress isn't doing enough to protect staff from sexual misconduct, lawmakers say

Source: NBC News

April 17, 2026, 4:23 PM EDT


WASHINGTON — In the absence of a central place on Capitol Hill to report workplace harassment, some female lawmakers have taken action themselves.

Following the sexual misconduct scandals surrounding former Reps. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, who both resigned this week, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., publicly assured all Hill staffers they could come to her office with complaints if they did not feel comfortable going to their own bosses.

So far, she says she has received at least one unverified allegation involving a senator, which she flagged to Senate GOP Leader John Thune’s office. The matter has since been forwarded to the Senate Ethics Committee, Thune, R-S.D., said. The ad hoc effort to create a safe space for staffers underscores how challenging it can still be to report sexual misconduct in Congress — an institution that has long struggled to police itself.

Recognizing the problem, Rep. Norma Torres, D-Calif., a member of the House Administration Committee, which oversees workplace issues on the Hill, last year launched a page on her own website where whistleblowers can report sexual harassment, assault or misconduct. She said her team has communicated to other offices that this is a place where staffers can report inappropriate behavior on Capitol Hill, including by members of Congress. “The support for these victims is not where it needs to be,” said Torres, who added that her office has received complaints from both the judicial and executive branches as well.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/congress-isnt-enough-protect-staff-sexual-misconduct-lawmakers-say-rcna332380