HRES 1443 · 119th CongressIntroduced

Ban on sexual relationships between House members and employees

The vote

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Worked the bill

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In the distance

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Summary

What the bill does

This resolution changes House rules to ban members from having sexual relationships with House employees, except if they are married. It also lets the Ethics Committee grant exemptions for relationships where the employee does not work for the member or their committee.

Why it matters

The stakes

This rule affects all House members and their staff. It aims to prevent power imbalances and protect employees from unwanted advances.

The debate

What each side says

Supporters

It stops members from using their power over employees to start relationships.bill
It protects House employees from pressure or retaliation if they refuse a relationship.bill
It allows married couples to keep their jobs, and lets the Ethics Committee approve other relationships that don't create a power problem.bill

Critics

It could be too strict and interfere with personal relationships that are not abusive.report
The exemption process might be secretive and give the Ethics Committee too much power.report

Each point links to its source. The views are attributed to those sources, not stated as ours.

Lobbying filings, contributions, and votes are public records shown side by side. The further down the chain, the further the money is from this bill. This page does not assert that money caused any vote.