Two members of the United States House of Representatives resigned on Monday as Congress grappled with a wave of misconduct scandals, with two additional lawmakers facing the rare prospect of formal expulsion, according to reporting by France 24.
Democrat Eric Swalwell of California stepped down following misconduct allegations, while Republican Tony Gonzales of Texas announced he would retire after facing pressure related to an affair with a former aide. The dual departures deepened an already turbulent period for the lower chamber of Congress.
Rare expulsion proceedings
Beyond the two resignations, two other lawmakers faced possible expulsion votes - a mechanism rarely invoked in the House's history. Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority vote and has only been used a handful of times since the founding of the United States, making the current situation an unusually serious moment for the institution.
The combination of resignations and potential expulsions marks a significant period of internal disorder for the House, which has already faced repeated challenges to its functioning in recent years, including leadership crises and slim legislative majorities.
Details of the departures
Swalwell, who had represented California's 14th congressional district and previously served on the House Intelligence Committee, resigned following misconduct allegations. The specific nature of those allegations, as reported by France 24, was tied to broader concerns that had been building around his conduct.
Gonzales, who represented a large Texas district along the US-Mexico border, said he would retire after revelations of an affair with a former member of his staff became public and generated political pressure from within his own party.
Broader implications
The departures reduce the already narrow margins in the House, where slim majorities have made passing legislation difficult in recent congressional sessions. Special elections would be required to fill the vacated seats, potentially shifting the balance of power depending on the outcomes in each district.
Congressional ethics investigations and expulsion efforts have historically been rare, and the simultaneous nature of these proceedings across party lines underscores the scale of the current moment. The House Ethics Committee plays a central role in reviewing member conduct before any formal action reaches the floor for a vote.
The events add to a broader national conversation about accountability standards for elected officials and the mechanisms Congress uses to police its own members.
