Ethics Committee

This House resolution amends the rules governing congressional earmarks and limited tax or tariff benefits by expanding the scope of required financial interest certifications. It requires members of Congress to certify that not only themselves and their spouses, but also any immediate family member and any entity in which they hold a material financial interest, have no direct or indirect financial stake in the proposed benefit. The amendment specifically includes interests arising from business assets that could reasonably be expected to appreciate in value due to their proximity to the location of the earmarked activity.

This resolution proposes adding a new rule to the House of Representatives that bans Members, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners from living with any House employee. The only exception to this ban is for couples who are legally married to one another. If adopted, the change would directly affect the personal living arrangements of elected officials and their relationships with staff members. The measure aims to clarify ethical boundaries regarding cohabitation between lawmakers and the employees they oversee.

This resolution proposes to change House rules to ban Members, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners from having sexual relationships with any employee of the House. The key provision removes the current exception that allowed such relationships if the employee did not work directly under the Member's supervision or on a committee they served on. By striking this specific language, the bill would make any sexual relationship with a House employee automatically prohibited, regardless of the employee's specific role or reporting line. This change directly affects all elected representatives and the staff who work within the House of Representatives.

This resolution directs the House Committee on Ethics to make specific final reports public within 14 days of its adoption. The reports in question cover investigations into alleged violations of conduct rules by members of the House that were completed during the 119th Congress. By mandating the release of findings, recommendations, and proposed disciplinary actions, the bill ensures these documents are accessible to the public rather than remaining internal.

This bill amends House rules to ban Members, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners from having sexual relationships with House employees, while allowing exceptions for married couples. It requires the Ethics Committee to create confidential procedures for requesting exemptions, which are only permitted if the employee does not report to the Member and does not work on their committee. The new regulations mandate that Members disclose these relationships privately and allow the Ethics Committee to take necessary actions to protect the integrity of the institution.