Legislator Misconduct Database
This page lists 493 instances of alleged and actual misconduct by legislators in the United States Congress from 1789 to the present.
The database below has been collected from public information about congressional investigations, criminal convictions, censures by and expulsions from Congress, and more, see the sidebar. The list is updated as new information becomes available.
An allegation of misconduct listed on this page does not imply guilt, unless it is followed by an official determiniation of guilt. Conversely, the absence of a determination of guilt does not imply innocence because congressional investigative bodies are political, not judicial.
What’s Included On This Page
We have included:
- All letters of reproval, censures, and expulsions from Congress from 1789 to the present.
- All investigations by the House Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) (2008–), the House Committee on Ethics (HCE) (1975–), and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics (SSCE) (1962–), and all Senate votes on “exclusion” related to personal misconduct.
- Some other investigations by a body of Congress and monetary settlements that involved alleged personal misconduct that we are aware of, e.g. settlements administered by Congress’s Office of Compliance regarding sexual harassment claims, but most settlements are not known to the public.
- Resignations that we believe to be likely relevant to an allegation of misconduct, because legislators often resign to head-off a Congressional investigation.
- Felony convictions and other cases of misconduct with national significance before and after the legislator’s time in Congress.
Are They Guilty
Investigations, settlements, and resignations do not imply guilt. Some investigations are motivated by politics or a personal grudge, settlements are often used when it would be less costly than defending a law suit, and legislators often resign when they are likely to lose re-election (regardless of why). We include investigations even if the legislator is exonerated because the investigation and exoneration are themselves important events that it is a part of our mission to chronicle.
Conversely, an investigation that ends without a guilty determination does not imply innocence --- Congress polices itself in many cases and legislators are reluctant to punish their peers.
Not all misconduct is treated equally, and the types of misconduct that have consequences have changed drastically over time. You won’t see sexual harassment before the 1980s, but you will see overt racism, enforcement of sodomy law, and murder.
Further Reading
For more background on how disciplinary actions work in Congress, see these reports by the Congressional Research Service:
- Expulsion and Censure Actions Taken by the Full Senate Against Legislators
- Expulsion, Censure, Reprimand, and Fine: Legislative Discipline in the House of Representatives
- Enforcement of Congressional Rules of Conduct: A Historical Overview
Sources
This database is sourced from a variety of materials, including contemporary news reports, as well as:
- United States Senate Election, Expulsion, and Censure Cases, U.S. Senate Historical Office
- Historical Summary of Conduct Cases in the House of Representatives, Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, 1798-2004
- The Washington Post’s list of congressional indictments
- Wikipedia’s list of convictions of American politicians, as of Jan 23, 2018
Our raw data for this page is available for reuse on GitHub.
Overview
Types of misconduct and alleged misconduct over time
Consequences of misconduct and alleged misconduct over time
Misconduct and alleged misconduct
Rep. Troy Nehls [R-TX22]
In late 2023, the Office of Congressional Ethics found that Rep. Nehls may have made illegitmate campaing disbursements and expenditures and omitted required information on financial disclosure forms. It also found that Nehls and his staff and associates refused to cooperate with the investigation.
| Dec. 1, 2023 | Office of Congressional Ethics found probable cause to believe that Rep. Nehls may have converted campaign committee funds to personal use and failed to disclose required nformation in his annual House financial disclosure statements and recommended that the House Committee on Ethics issue subpoenas. |
| May. 10, 2024 | House Committee on Ethics extended the matter |
Rep. Henry Cuellar [D-TX28]
Rep. Cuellar was indicted for allegedly accepting bribes from a Mexican bank and Azerbaijani oil company controlled by the nation's government.
| May. 3, 2024 | Department of Justice indicted Rep. Cuellar |
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick [D-FL20]
Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick has been under investigation by the House Committee on Ethics for allegations of violating campaign finance laws, failing to properly disclose required information on statements required to be filed with the House, and accepting voluntary services for official work from an individual not employed in her congressional office. In September 2023 the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review of unknown allegations by the House Committee on Ethics, and in December 2023 the House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee.
| Sep. 23, 2023 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics of allegations that were not yet publicly known |
| Nov. 9, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics extended the matter |
| Dec. 27, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee and released a summary of the allegations |
Rep. Rashida Tlaib [D-MI12]
In Nov. 2023, Rep. Tlaib was censured 234-188 for promoting false narratives regarding the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and for calling for the destruction of the state of Israel.
| Nov. 7, 2023 | House of Representatives censured 234-188 |
Rep. Jamaal Bowman [D-NY16]
While trying to get to a vote on Saturday, Sept. 30, Rep. Bowman pulled a fire alarm next to a door that is unlocked during the week because he said he thought it would unlock the door. On Oct. 25, Rep. Bowman was charged with a misdemeanor and $1000 fine. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 26 and will pay the fine. In Nov. 2023, a majority of the Ethics Committee did not agree to create an investigative subcommitee or issue a report and their work is now concluded. In Dec. 2023, the House of Representatives censured Bowman 214-91.
| Oct. 26, 2023 | Bowman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of a false fire alarm and will pay $1000 fine. |
| Nov. 22, 2023 | Committee on Ethics majority of the Members of the Committee did not agree to establish an investigative subcomittee or report to the House regarding Representative Bowman’s conduct |
| Dec. 7, 2023 | House of Representatives censured Bowman 214-91 |
Rep. Mark Meadows [R-NC11, 2013-2020]
In August 2023, Fulton County, Georgia indicted 19 people, including Mark Meadows, former Congress member and President Trump’s Chief of Staff, on felony charges related to attempting to change the outcome of the 2020 election. Meadows' charges include making false statements, obstructing Congress on January 6th to prevent the counting of electoral votes, attempting to observe non-public ballot signature matching in Georgia, assisting Trump in making false statements to state elections officials, pressuring state election officials to work to Trump's schedule, and solicitation of the violation of oath of office of the state’s Secretary of State.
| Aug. 14, 2023 | Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney's Office indicted Meadows, along with 18 others including former president Donald Trump, on a host of felony charges |
Rep. Adam Schiff [D-CA30]
Schiff was censured by the House of Representatives 213-209 on June 21, 2023 for various statements and misstatements he made between 2017-2019 related to President Trump and Trump's presidential campaign. The misstatements include Schiff's reading of parts of the discredited Steele Dossier into the Congressional Record and claims of not having had contact with the whistleblower in the impeachment of Trump for withholding of aid to Ukraine in exchange for political favors. The censure resolution itself contains misstatements including denying that the 2016 Trump Campaign attempted to coordinate with Russia.
| Jun. 21, 2023 | House of Representatives censured 213-209 |
Rep. George Santos [R-NY3, 2023-2023]
On Dec. 1, 2023, Santos became the sixth member of Congress to be expelled in a 311-114 vote. In May 2023, Santos was indicted on charges of identity theft, fraud, money laundering, lying to the House of Representatives on financial disclosure forms, and theft of public funds. The charges include a scheme to fraudently induce political contributors to donate more money than was legal and then use those contributions for personal purposes. Santos was also accused of taking unemployment funds while employed in 2020. In early fall 2023, a campaign aide pleaded guilty to wire fraud and identity theft in a scheme to raise funds for Santos while his campaign treasurer pleaded guilty to related charges. In November 2023, the House Committee on Ethics found substantial evidence that Rep. Santos violated federal criminal laws and other standards of conduct including lying to campaign donors, creating fictitious campaign loans obscuring payments to himself, using campaign funds for personal expenses, and falsifying financial disclosures. The Ethics Committee did not find evidence of alleged sexual misconduct. It deferred everything else to the Department of Justice. The investigation began in early 2023 after extensive reporting that Santos fabricated most of his life story during his campaign as well as demands from representatives to investigate and an attempt to expel him.
| Sep. 1, 2022 | Local paper The North Shore Leader broke the story of Santos's "inexplicable rise in his alleged net worth to $11 million". |
| Jan. 13, 2023 | Santos's constituents, local party leaders, and some of his Republican colleagues in Congress call on Santos to resign. |
| Feb. 28, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee |
| May. 10, 2023 | Department of Justice indicted Santos on charges of engaging in wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and making materially false statements to the House of Representatives |
| May. 17, 2023 | House of Representatives referred a motion to expel Santos to the House Committee on Ethics |
| Jun. 16, 2023 | Department of Justice indicted campaign aide Samuel Miele on charges of wire fraud and identity theft while soliciting donations for Santos |
| Jun. 22, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics announced that they would continue overlapping with the Department of Justice Investigation |
| Oct. 10, 2023 | Department of Justice issued a superceding indictment including charges of credit card fraud, identity fraud and conspiracy based on information from Santos' campaign treasurer who had just pleaded guilty |
| Nov. 1, 2023 | House of Representatives voted on whether to expel Santos, not reaching the two-thirds majority threshold |
| Nov. 16, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics released their report and findings of substantial evidence that Rep. Santos violated federal criminal laws and other standards of conduct within the Committee’s jurisdiction |
| Dec. 1, 2023 | House of Representatives expelled Santos 311-114 |
Rep. Madison Cawthorn [R-NC11, 2021-2022]
In May 2023, Cawthorn pleaded guilty to bringing a loaded handgun through a TSA checkpoint in April 2022. He was fined $250 and his gun was returned to him.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [D-NY14]
The House Office of Congressional Ethics found "substantial reason to believe" that Ocasio-Cortez accepted impermissible gifts associated with her attendance at the Met Gala in 2021, which she paid for after the investigation began. The matter is pending before the House Committee on Ethics.
| Jun. 23, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics began an investigation |
| Mar. 2, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
Rep. Kaialiʻi Kahele [D-HI2, 2021-2022]
In 2022, Kahele was accused of misusing official resources for campaign or political social media purposes or used campaign funds to defray official expenses. In August 2022, the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics. In November 2022, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response. Kahele did not seek re-election in 2022 and the Committee reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction.
| Aug. 26, 2022 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Nov. 28, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Sen. Robert “Bob” Menendez [D-NJ]
Menendez is under investigation for conspiracy to commit bribery, honest services fraud and extortion under the color of official right by the Department of Justice (DOJ). On Oct. 12, 2023, the DOJ issued a superseding indictment adding the charge of acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign power.
| Oct. 26, 2022 | Department of Justice initiated an investigation |
| Sep. 22, 2023 | Department of Justice indicted Menendez |
| Oct. 12, 2023 | Department of Justice issued a superseding indictment |
Rep. Kaialiʻi Kahele [D-HI2, 2021-2022]
Kahele was accused of sponsoring bills that benefit his other employer, Hawaii Airlines. In November 2022, the Office of Congressional Ethics voted to dismiss this allegation.
| Oct. 14, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics extended the matter regarding the representative |
| Oct. 18, 2022 | Hawaii News Now reported that the investigation is about the Representative sponsoring bills that benefit his other employer, Hawaii Airlines. |
| Nov. 28, 2022 | Office of Congressional Ethics dismissed the allegations |
Rep. Carolyn Maloney [D-NY12, 2013-2022]
Maloney was investigated for allegations of soliciting and/or accepting impermissible gifts with respect to the Met Gala by the House Committee on Ethics. Maloney lost the 2022 election and the Committee reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction.
| Oct. 7, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics extended the matter regarding the representative |
| Nov. 21, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Andy Levin [D-MI9, 2019-2022]
Levin was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Capitol building on July, 20 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Alma Adams [D-NC12]
Adams was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Cori Bush [D-MO1]
Bush was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Katherine Clark [D-MA5]
Clark was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Madeleine Dean [D-PA4]
Dean was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Veronica Escobar [D-TX16]
Escobar was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Sara Jacobs [D-CA51]
Jacobs was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Barbara Lee [D-CA12]
Lee was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Andy Levin [D-MI9, 2019-2022]
Levin was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Carolyn Maloney [D-NY12, 2013-2022]
Maloney was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [D-NY14]
Ocasio-Cortez was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Ilhan Omar [D-MN5]
Omar was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Ayanna Pressley [D-MA7]
Pressley was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Janice “Jan” Schakowsky [D-IL9]
Schakowsky was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Jackie Speier [D-CA14, 2013-2022]
Speier was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Rashida Tlaib [D-MI12]
Tlaib was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Nydia Velázquez [D-NY7]
Velázquez was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman [D-NJ12]
Coleman was arrested at a protest in front of the U.S. Supreme Court building on July, 19 2022. The same month the Committee published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine.
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a committee report indicating they will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Judy Chu [D-CA28]
Rep. Chu was arrested in a protest at the Capitol on June 30, 2022. The House Committee on Ethics released a report indicating she will pay the $50 fine.
| Jul. 22, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics reported that she will pay a $50 fine |
Rep. Michael “Ozzie” Myers [D-PA1, 1975-1980]
In June 2022, former Rep. Myers (who was convicted in 1980 of bribery in the ABSCAM scandal when he was a member of Congress) pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deprive voters of civil rights, bribery, obstruction of justice, and falsification of voting records in state elections in Pennsylvania on behalf of candidates in the Democratic party from 2014-2018, and conspiring to vote illegally in a federal election.
| Jun. 8, 2022 | Pleaded guilty. |
Rep. Chris Jacobs [R-NY27, 2020-2022]
In 2022, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Jacobs's response to allegations he failed to report stock trades in accordance with the STOCK Act. In July of 2022, the Committee unanimously voted to dismiss the referral.
| May. 31, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the Jacobs's response |
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics dismissed the referral |
Rep. Madison Cawthorn [R-NC11, 2021-2022]
In April 2022, Cawthorn was accused of particpating in a "pump and dump" investment scheme with a brand of cryptocurrency where he acted on non-pubic information to increase the currency price and then similarly to sell his shares before the currency's value dropped to zero. In May 2022, the House Committee on Ethics announced they had impaneled an investigative subcommittee to review the allegations.
| Apr. 23, 2022 | A news article suggested that Cawthorn had participated in a "pump and dump" scheme with a brand of cryptocurrency. |
| May. 17, 2022 | Cawthorn lost his primary. |
| May. 23, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics established an investigative subcommittee |
| Dec. 6, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics Committee accepted the investigative subcommittee's report indicating that Cawthorn had received cryptocurrency at rates not available to the public, had a conflict of interest with respect to the cryptocurrency company, failed to file timely financial disclosures and charged him with repaying the difference on the cryptocurrency and the late filing fees. |
Rep. Patrick “Pat” Fallon [R-TX4]
In 2022, the House Committee on Ethics announced it had extended the matter regarding allegations that the representative had failed to disclose stock trades in the required time. In May 2022, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Fallon's response. In July of 2022, the Committee unanimously voted to dismiss the referral.
| Mar. 2, 2022 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Apr. 18, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics extended the matter regarding the representative |
| May. 31, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Fallon's response |
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics dismissed the referral |
Rep. John Rutherford [R-FL5]
In 2022, the House Committee on Ethics announced an investigation into the representative. In May 2022, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rutherford's response. It appears that the allegation relates to a failure to report stock trades in 2021. In August of 2022, the Committee unanimously voted to dismiss the referral.
| Feb. 28, 2022 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Apr. 14, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics extended the matter regarding the representative |
| May. 31, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rutherford's response |
| Aug. 24, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics dismissed the referral |
Rep. Thomas Suozzi [D-NY3]
In 2022, the House Committee on Ethics announced it would extend its investigation of allegations of failing to disclose stock transactions. In July of 2022, the Committee unanimously voted to dismiss the referral.
| Feb. 28, 2022 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Apr. 14, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics extended the matter regarding the representative |
| Jul. 29, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics dismissed the referral |
Rep. Ronny Jackson [R-TX13]
In 2022, the House Committee on Ethics announced it would extend its investigation of allegations of campaign finance violations. The Committee carried its investigation into the 118th Congress.
| Dec. 22, 2021 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Apr. 7, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics extended the matter regarding the representative |
| Apr. 7, 2022 | Jackson's office said that the investigation concerned alleged campaign finance violations. |
| May. 23, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Jackson's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics carried the investigation into the 118th Congress |
Rep. Madison Cawthorn [R-NC11, 2021-2022]
In 2022, Rep. Cawthorn was cited for driving with a revoked license and cited for speeding at least twice His court date is May 6, 2022. On May 17, 2022, Cawthorn lost his primary. On May 23, the House Committee on Ethics reported that Cawthorn had paid relevant fines and closed the investigation.
| Mar. 9, 2022 | Rep. Cawthorn was cited for driving with a revoked license and cited for speeding at least twice. |
| May. 17, 2022 | Cawthorn lost his primary. |
| May. 23, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published a report indicating that since they had already paid one fine and intended to pay any additional ones, the committee would end it's investigation |
Rep. Ilhan Omar [D-MN5]
In 2021, Rep. Omar was accused of ommitting required financial disclosures and accepting an advance on her memoir. The Office of Congressional Ethics voted unanimously in December 2021 to recommend that the House Committee on Ethics dismiss the case for lack of evidence. In 2022, two of the four House Committee on Ethics members did not vote to dismiss, but House rules have no guidelines for how to proceed in this situation so no further action will be taken.
Rep. Lauren Boebert [R-CO3]
Rep. Boebert was fined for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Mar. 21, 2022 | House Sergeant at Arms fined her for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Nov. 30, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Boebert for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Rep. Randy Weber [R-TX14]
In 2021, Rep. Weber was fined for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Nov. 30, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined them for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Rep. Jamaal Bowman [D-NY16]
In January 2022, Rep. Bowman was arrested while protesting at the Capitol. He informed the Committee he will pay the $200 fine and no further action will be taken by the Committee.
Rep. Mark Meadows [R-NC11, 2013-2020]
In December 2021, the House of Representatives voted 220-208 to hold former Rep. Meadows in criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena to appear before the January 6 Committee, but the Department of Justice declined to prosecute.
| Dec. 14, 2021 | House of Representatives voted 220-208 to hold Meadows in criminal contempt of Congress for refusing to comply with a subpoena to appear before the January 6 Committee |
| Jun. 4, 2022 | Department of Justice declined to indict Meadows |
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks [R-IA1]
In 2021, Rep. Meeks was fined for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Nov. 30, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Miller-Meeks for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Rep. Marie Newman [D-IL3, 2021-2022]
In 2021, Rep. Newman was accused of promising a staff position to a potential opponent if he agreed not to run against her in the 2020 primary. In January of 2022, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Newman's response. In 2023, the Committee reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction.
| Oct. 25, 2021 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Dec. 9, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics extended its review of the matter |
| Jan. 24, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Doug Lamborn [R-CO5]
In 2021, Rep. Lamborn was sued for a wide variety of abusive behaviors towards Congressional staff. In January 2022, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Lamborn's response. The Committee carried its investigation into the 118th Congress.
| Oct. 25, 2021 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Dec. 9, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics extended its review of the matter |
| Jan. 24, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Lamborn's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics carried its investigation into the 118th Congress |
Rep. Robert “Bob” Good [R-VA5]
In 2021, Rep. Good was fined for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rep. appealed his fine, but the appeal was denied.
| Sep. 27, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Good for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic |
Rep. James Baird [R-IN4]
In Nov. 2021, Rep. Baird was accused of failing to complete security screening to enter House Floor. He was fined by the Sargeant at Arms, appealed and the Committee agreed to the appeal.
| Nov. 17, 2021 | Sargeant at Arms fined Baird for failing to complete security screening to enter House Floor |
| Dec. 3, 2021 | Baird appealed fine. |
| Dec. 8, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics a majority of the committee agreed to the appeal and the fine was rescinded |
Rep. Paul Gosar [R-AZ9]
On Nov. 7, 2021, Rep. Gosar posted on his official social media accounts a video clip taken from the opening credits of an animated show called Attack on Titan. The clip was altered to add real people's faces to various characters. The result was a character with his face killing one with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez's face and flying at one, armed with swords, with President Biden's face. On Nov. 17, Rep. Gosar was censured and removed from his committee assignments (one of which he shared with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez) by a vote of 223-207.
| Nov. 7, 2021 | Rep. Gosar posted the video clip. |
| Nov. 17, 2021 | House of Representatives censured Rep. Gosar and removed him from committee assignments |
Rep. Andrew Clyde [R-GA9]
Since 2021, Rep. Clyde was fined many times for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rep. appealed his fines several times, but all have been denied. With a $500 fine for the first time and a $2,500 fine for each subsequent time, it is believed that, as of June 2022, Clyde has been fined at least $103,000, taken out of his congressional salary.
| Sep. 21, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Sep. 28, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde three additional times for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic on Sept. 22, 27, and 28, 2021 |
| Oct. 1, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde three additional times on Sept. 29, 30, and Oct. 1, 2021 |
| Oct. 28, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde six additional times on Oct. 14, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28 |
| Nov. 30, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde five additional times on Nov. 4, 8, 9, 18, 30 |
| Nov. 30, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics denied Clyde's appeal of the fines for 11/4, 11/8, 11/9, 11/18, 11/30 |
| Dec. 3, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde three additional times |
| Dec. 9, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde an additional time |
| Dec. 14, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde |
| Dec. 16, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde two additional times |
| Jan. 13, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics denied Clyde's appeal of the fines for 12/14 and 12/16 |
| Feb. 15, 2022 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde seven additional times |
| May. 31, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics denied Clyde's appeal |
| Jun. 24, 2022 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde three additional times |
| Jun. 24, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics denied Clyde's appeal |
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene [R-GA14]
In 2021 and 2022, Rep. Greene was fined many times for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic. With a $500 fine for the first time and a $2,500 fine for each subsequent time, it is believed that, as of March 2022, Greene has been fined at least $93,000, taken out of her congressional salary.
Rep. Dan Crenshaw [R-TX2]
In October 2021, the Committee agreed to Rep. Crenshaw's appeal of a fine for failing to complete security screening to enter House Floor.
| Oct. 25, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the Committee agreed to Crenshaw's appeal |
Rep. Jeff Fortenberry [R-NE1, 2005-2022]
Rep. Fortenberry was convicted on three counts, one of scheming to falsify and conceal material facts and two of making false statements to federal investigators, in 2022, related to illegal campaign contributions from a foreign national to his 2016 re-election campaign. On March 31, 2022, he resigned from Congress. On April 1st, the House Committee on Ethics closed its investigation. In December 2023, Fortenberry's conviction was overturned and in May 2024, the charges were re-issued in Washington, D.C.
| Oct. 19, 2021 | Fortenberry released a video in which he said he expected to be indicted on lying to the FBI. |
| Oct. 19, 2021 | Department of Justice indicted Fortenberry on one count of scheming to falsify and conceal material facts and two of making false statements to federal investigators |
| Dec. 3, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee, but deferred action pending the results of the Department of Justice investigation |
| Mar. 24, 2022 | Fortenberry was convicted on three counts, one of scheming to falsify and conceal material facts and two of making false statements to federal investigators, in 2022, related to campaign contributions from a foreign national to his 2016 re-election campaign. |
| Mar. 26, 2022 | Fortenberry announced he would resign effective March 31, 2022. |
| Apr. 1, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics closed the investigation |
| Dec. 26, 2023 | U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit reversed his conviction because he was not tried in the correct jurisdiction |
| May. 9, 2024 | U.S. Department of Justice re-issued charges in Washington, D.C. |
Rep. Chip Roy [R-TX21]
In the summer of 2021, Rep. Roy was fined for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic.
| Aug. 2, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Roy for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Sep. 8, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics announced that Roy had not appealed the fine |
Rep. Mary Miller [R-IL15]
In the summer of 2021, Rep. Miller was fined for failing to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic. Miller's appeal was rejected.
| Aug. 2, 2021 | Miller was fined by the Sergeant at Arms. |
| Aug. 25, 2021 | Miller appealed the fine. |
| Sep. 28, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics announced that Miller had appealed the fine, but the appeal was rejected |
Rep. Al Green [D-TX9]
In August 2021, Rep. Green was arrested at a protest. In September 2021, the House Committee on Ethics reported that a fine was paid and closed the investigation.
| Sep. 28, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported the arrest and that a fine was paid, and closed the investigation |
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee [D-TX18]
In July 2021, Jackson Lee was arrested at a protest. In September 2021, the House Committee on Ethics reported that a fine was paid and closed the investigation.
| Sep. 28, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported the arrest and that a fine was paid, and closed the investigation |
Rep. Bill Huizenga [R-MI4]
Rep. Huizenga failed to complete a security screening prior to entering the House Chamber on August 23, 2021. In October 2021, the House Committee on Ethics agreed to Huizenga's appeal of the fine.
| Aug. 24, 2021 | House Sergeant at Arms fined Rep. Huizenga $5,000 for failing to complete a security screening prior to entering the House Chamber on August 23, 2021 |
| Aug. 25, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics announced the fine |
| Oct. 25, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics agreed to the appeal |
Rep. Jim Hagedorn [R-MN1, 2019-2022]
Rep. Hagerdon "allowed nearly half a million dollars of official funds to be directed to companies owned by his employees" in 2019-2020 and "received rent-free or below-market-value use of campaign office space from a political donor" in 2018. Hagedorn died in February 2022.
| Jul. 23, 2021 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Sep. 7, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics extended its investigation |
| Oct. 21, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Feb. 17, 2022 | Hagedorn died. |
Rep. Mike Kelly [R-PA16]
Rep. Mike Kelly is accused of making a stock purchase, through his wife, based on nonpublic information he learned in his official duties. The Committee carried its investigation into the 118th Congress.
| Jul. 23, 2021 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Sep. 7, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics extended its investigation |
| Oct. 21, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics carried its investigation into the 118th Congress |
Rep. Tom Malinowski [D-NJ7, 2019-2022]
Rep. Malinowski is accused of failing to disclose stock transactions made in 2019-2020 as required by law. He lost reelection in 2022 and the Committee reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction.
| Jul. 23, 2021 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Sep. 7, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics extended its investigation |
| Oct. 21, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Alexander Mooney [R-WV2]
Rep. Mooney is accused of using campaign funds for personal purposes and for failing to properly report reimbursements to himself. The Committee has carried the investigation into the 118th Congress.
| Jul. 23, 2021 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Aug. 25, 2021 | Roll Call reported the nature of the investigation |
| Sep. 7, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics extended its investigation |
| Oct. 21, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings |
| Feb. 7, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics extended their review |
| May. 23, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics carried the investigation into the 118th Congress |
Rep. Henry C. “Hank” Johnson [D-GA4]
In July 2021, Rep. Johnson was arrested at a protest. The House Committee on Ethics reported that he paid a fine and closed the investigation.
| Jul. 30, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported the arrest and that he paid the fine, and closed the investigation |
Rep. Joyce Beatty [D-OH3]
In July 2021, Rep. Beatty was arrested at a protest. The House Committee on Ethics reported that she paid a fine and closed the investigation.
| Jul. 26, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported the arrest and that she paid a fine, and closed the investigation |
Rep. Blake Moore [R-UT1]
In July 2021, Rep. Moore violated the STOCK Act by failing to meet a financial disclosure deadline and paid a fine.
| Jul. 27, 2021 | Paid a fine. |
Sen. Tommy Tuberville [R-AL]
In July 2021, Sen. Tuberville was accused of violating the STOCK Act by failing to meet a financial disclosure deadline.
| Jul. 27, 2021 | CNBC reported the accusation. |
Rep. Ralph Norman [R-SC5]
On May 20, 2021, Rep. Norman failed to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic and was fined. On June 16, Norman appealed and on July 20, the Committee rejected the appeal.
| May. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that Norman had been fined by the Sergeant at Arms |
| Jun. 16, 2021 | Norman appealed the fine. |
| Jul. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics rejected Norman's appeal |
Rep. Thomas Massie [R-KY4]
On May 20, 2021, Rep. Massie failed to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandeimc and was fined. On June 15, Massie appealed and on July 20, the Committee rejected the appeal.
| May. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that Massie had been fined by the Sergeant at Arms |
| Jun. 15, 2021 | Massie appealed the fine. |
| Jul. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics rejected Massie's appeal |
Rep. Brian Mast [R-FL21]
On May 20, 2021, Rep. Mast failed to wear a mask on the House floor during the COVID-19 pandemic and was fined. On May 24th, Mast appealed and on June 25, the Committee rejected the appeal.
| May. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that Mast had been fined by the Sergeant at Arms |
| May. 24, 2021 | Mast appealed the fine. |
| Jun. 25, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics rejected Mast's appeal |
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks [R-IA1]
On May 20, 2021, Rep. Miller-Meeks failed to wear a mask on the House floor and was fined. On June 25, the Committee published the fine.
| May. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics received notification that Miller-Meeks had been fined by the Sergeant at Arms |
| Jun. 25, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics published the fine |
Rep. Beth Van Duyne [R-TX24]
On May 20, 2021, Rep. Van Duyne failed to wear a mask on the House floor and was fined. On May 24th, Van Duyne appealed and on June 25, the Committee rejected the appeal.
| May. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics received notification that Van Duyne had been fined by the Sergeant at Arms |
| May. 24, 2021 | Van Duyne appealed the fine. |
| Jun. 25, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics rejected Van Duyne's appeal |
Rep. Lloyd Smucker [R-PA11]
Rep. Smucker failed to complete security screening on May 19, 2021 and was fined $5,000. Smucker appealed and on June 28, 2021, the Committee rejected his appeal.
| May. 24, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics announced that Smucker had been fined by the Sergeant at Arms |
| Jun. 28, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics rejected Smucker's appeal of the fine |
Rep. Virginia Foxx [R-NC5]
Rep. Foxx failed to complete security screening on May 13, 2021 and was fined $5,000.
| May. 18, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics announced that Foxx had been fined by the Sergeant at Arms |
Rep. James “Jim” Clyburn [D-SC6]
Rep. Clyburn was accused of failing to complete security screening on April 20, 2021 but on May 20, the House Committee on Ethics agreed to Clyburn's appeal.
| Apr. 23, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics began a review of Clyburn's appeal of his fine |
| May. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics agreed to Clyburn's appeal of his fine |
Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers [R-KY5]
Rep. Rogers was accused of failing to complete security screening on April 14, 2021. On May 20, the House Committee on Ethics agreed to Roger's appeal.
| Apr. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the House Sergeant at Arms fined Rogers and began a review of Rogers's appeal |
| May. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics agreed to Rogers's appeal of his fine |
Rep. Tom Reed [R-NY23, 2013-2022]
On April 9, 2021, the House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation into allegations that Reed was engaging in sexual misconduct. In 2022, Reed resigned and the Committee's jurisdiction ended.
| Apr. 9, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation into Reed |
| May. 11, 2022 | Reed resigned. |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Matt Gaetz [R-FL1]
On March 30, 2021, the New York Times reported that the Department of Justice was investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz over allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with an underage girl. Over the ensuing two weeks, the allegations expanded signficantly and on April 9 the House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation into allegations that Gaetz was engaging in a sexual relationship with underage girl, using illicit drugs, sharing inappropriate images or videos on the House floor, misusing state identification records, converting campaign funds to personal use, and/or accepting a bribe, improper gratuity, or impermissible gift. The Committee has carried its investigation into the 118th Congress. In February 2023, the Department of Justice announced it would not charge Gaetz.
| Mar. 30, 2021 | The New York Times reported that the Department of Justice was investigating Rep. Matt Gaetz over allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with an underage girl. |
| Apr. 9, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation into Gaetz |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics carried its investigation into the 118th Congress |
| Feb. 15, 2023 | Department of Justice decided not to charge Gaetz |
Rep. Louie Gohmert [R-TX1, 2005-2022]
Rep. Gohmert failed to complete security screening on February 4, 2021 and was fined $5,000. He appealed on February 26 and the appeal was denied by the committee on March 30, 2021.
| Mar. 11, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the House Sergeant at Arms fined Gohmert and began a review of Gohmert's appeal |
| Mar. 30, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics announced that Gohmert's February 26 appeal was denied |
Rep. Andrew Clyde [R-GA9]
Rep. Clyde failed to complete security screening on February 3, 2021 and was fined $5,000. On April 12, the Committee rejected Clyde's appeals.
| Mar. 11, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the House Sergeant at Arms fined Clyde and began a review of his appeal |
| Apr. 12, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics rejected Clyde's appeal |
Rep. Russ Fulcher [R-ID1]
Rep. Fulcher was accused of assaulting a Capitol Police officer when refusing to fully comply with security procedures before entering the House floor on January 12, 2021. That the Capitol Police were investigating became public when they interviewed a Huffington Post reporter who'd witnessed the event as part of the investigation. Soon after, the U.S. Capitol Police sent a letter to Fulcher saying there was no investigation at that time.
| Feb. 17, 2021 | U.S. Capitol Police interviewed a Huffington Post reporter who'd observed and reported the incident being investigated |
| Feb. 26, 2021 | U.S. Capitol Police sent a letter to Fulcher saying there was no investigation at that time |
Rep. Andy Harris [R-MD1]
Rep. Harris was accused of attempting to carry a concealed firearm onto the House floor on January 21, 2021. That the Capitol Police were investigating became public when they interviewed a Huffington Post reporter who'd witnessed the event as part of the investigation.
| Feb. 17, 2021 | U.S. Capitol Police interviewed a Huffington Post reporter who'd observed and reported the incident being investigated |
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen [R-FL27, 2013-2018]
Former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is under federal investigation by the Justice Department for allegedly spending campaign money on personal trips while in her final Congressional term.
| Sep. 25, 2020 | Former Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is under federal investigation by the Justice Department for allegedly spending campaign money on personal trips. |
Rep. Steven Watkins [R-KS2, 2019-2020]
In 2020, the district attorney of Shawnee County, KS, charged Rep. Watkins with three felonies after he voted in the wrong city council district in a 2019 municipal election and subsequently lied to law enforcement. On July 17, 2020, in accordance with House GOP conference rules, Rep. Watkins stepped down from his committee positions. In August 2020, Rep. Watkins lost in the Kansas primary and will leave Congress in January 2021. On August 14, the House Ethics Committee established an Investigative Subcommittee. In January 2021, the House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of their term ended the committee's jurisdiction.
| Jul. 14, 2020 | The district attorney of Shawnee County, KS, charged Rep. Watkins with three felonies. |
| Jul. 17, 2020 | In accordance with House GOP conference rules, Rep. Watkins stepped down from his committee positions. |
| Aug. 4, 2020 | Watkins lost in the Kansas Republican primary. |
| Aug. 14, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee |
| Jan. 3, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of their term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Sen. Kelly Loeffler [R-GA, 2020-2021]
At some point between March 2020 when news broke that stocks owned by Sen. Loeffler were sold right after a committee briefing on the possible trajectory of covid19 and June 17, 2020, the Senate Ethics Committee opened an investigation into the trades. On June 17, they sent a letter to Sen. Loeffler informing her than since the Department of Justice had ended its investigation, they would too. No record of the investigation or the letter are available publicly.
| Jun. 17, 2020 | Senate Committee on Ethics closed an investigation after the Department of Justice also closed its investigation |
Rep. Sanford Bishop [D-GA2]
Rep. Bishop was investigated for spending both House office funds and campaign funds for personal use, including on annual holiday gatherings and tuition. The investigation has been carried into the 118th Congress.
| Jun. 16, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics continue an investigation based on an unpublished February 2020 referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics |
| Jul. 31, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics carried investigation into the 118th Congress |
Sen. Richard Burr [R-NC, 2005-2022]
In March 2020, Sen. Burr was accused of covid19 stock profiteering by selling stocks based on information learned in non-public briefings. On March 20, Sen. Burr asked the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to open an investigation into his actions. There is no indication that the Committee has acted on his request. On March 30, news reports indicated that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) were investigating Sen. Burr. On May 14, Sen. Burr stepped down as chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee after it was reported that the FBI had seized his mobile phone. In January 2021, the Department of Justice announced that they would not charge Burr.
| Mar. 17, 2020 | Sen. Burr asked the Senate Select Committee on Ethics to open an investigation into his actions. |
| Mar. 30, 2020 | Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) began an investigation |
| May. 13, 2020 | The FBI seized Sen. Burr's mobile phone. |
| May. 14, 2020 | Sen. Burr stepped down as chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee. |
| Jan. 19, 2021 | Department of Justice will take no action |
Rep. Lori Trahan [D-MA3]
In September 2019, Trahan was accused of accepting excessive campaign contributions and failing to file required disclosure documents. In December 2019, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Trahan's response. In July 2020, the House Committee on Ethics published its report dismissing the charges since the alleged excessive contributions were part of joint holdings with her spouse and any reporting errors were unintentional.
| Aug. 18, 2019 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Dec. 17, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jul. 16, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics published its report dismissing the charges since the alleged excessive contributions were part of joint holdings with her spouse and any reporting errors were unintentional |
Rep. Rashida Tlaib [D-MI12]
In 2019, Tlaib was accused of reporting improper campaign expenditures. In August, the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics. In November, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Tlaib's response. In August 2020, the House Committee on Ethics found that while Rep. Tlaib did receive campaign funds for personal use after the 2018 general election, it was an error and not malfeasance. She is fined $10,800, the amount she received after the election.
| Aug. 16, 2019 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Nov. 15, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Aug. 7, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics fined Rep. Tlaib $10,800, the amount of campaign funds she received after the election and concluded that it was an error, not malfeasance |
Rep. Ross Spano [R-FL15, 2019-2020]
In 2019, Spano was accused of receiving improper and excessive loans for his election campaign. In August, the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics. In November, the House Committee on Ethics deferred its investigation to the Department of Justice. Spano lost his election in 2020 and the Committee reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction.
| Aug. 16, 2019 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Nov. 14, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics deferred its investigation to the Department of Justice |
| Jan. 2, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
| May. 2, 2023 | Federal Elections Commission fined Spano $30,000 for campaign finance violations |
Rep. Bill Huizenga [R-MI4]
In 2019, Huizenga was accused of accepting campaign contributions from staff and making improper campaign expenditures. In August, the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics. In November, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report. The House Committee on Ethics has carried the investigation into the 118th Congress.
| Aug. 16, 2019 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Nov. 14, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report |
| Jan. 3, 2023 | House Committee on Ethics carried the investigation into the 118th Congress |
Rep. Alcee Hastings [D-FL20, 2013-2021]
In 2019, Hastings was alleged to have engaged in improper relationship with a staff member and received improper gifts and/or forebearance from the staff member. The House Committee on Ethics began an investigation. In 2020, the House Committee on Ethics closed the investigation since the employee was his spouse, gifts from family are acceptable and their employment did not violate any House rules when they were hired.
| Nov. 4, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics began an investigation |
| Jun. 12, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics closed the investigation since Hastings' employee was his spouse, gifts from family are acceptable and her employment did not violate any House rules when she was hired |
Rep. Michael San Nicolas [D-GU, 2019-2022]
In 2019, San Nicolas was alleged to have engaged in a sexual relationship with a staff member, converted campaign funds to personal use and/or accepted improper or excessive campaign contributions. In 2020, the House Committee on Ethicsestablished an Investigative Subcommittee to further investigate the allegations following a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics. In 2022, the Investigative Subcommittee found that there was at least some evidence for all the allegations, but the most significant evidence was for the financial allegations. In light of Del. San Nicolas's planned retirement at the end of this Congress, the Committee has referred its report to the Department of Justice.
| Oct. 24, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics began an investigation |
| Jun. 12, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee following a referral from the Office of Congressional Ethics |
| May. 20, 2021 | House Committee on Ethics reauthorized the Investigative Subcommittee for the 117th Congress |
| Jun. 24, 2022 | House Committee on Ethics found substantial evidence for all of the allegations, but due to Del. San Nicolas's impending retirement, adopted the report, ended the investigation and referred to the Deparment of Justice |
Rep. Katie Hill [D-CA25, 2019-2019]
In October 2019, nude photos of Rep. Hill were published by conservative websites along with the allegation that she was having a sexual relationship with her Chief of Staff. Rep. Hill claimed that the photos & allegation came from her soon to be ex-husband as part of their divorce. Rep. Hill denied the allegation, which would have been a violation of House rules, but did acknowledge a relationship with a campaign staff member which is not against House rules. A few days after the House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Rep. Hill, she resigned from Congress.
| Oct. 23, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics began an investigation |
| Oct. 27, 2019 | Resigned from Congress. |
Rep. Raúl Grijalva [D-AZ7]
At an unspecified date during Rep. Grijalva's service in Congress, he was accused of creating a hostile work environment and being frequently drunk. The claims, always denied by Grijalva, were resolved with a severance payment in 2015 although none of this became public until 2017. According to news reports, Grijalva was cleared by the House Ethics Committee letter in Dec 2018. Now, his case is apparently being reviewed by the House Committee on Ethics, although what for and why is unknown.
| May. 15, 2018 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Dec. 14, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics dismissed complaint |
| Jun. 17, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics reviewing the same complaint |
Rep. Matt Gaetz [R-FL1]
In February 2019, Gaetz posted a threatening tweet aimed at Michael Cohen, President Trump's former personal attorney the night before Cohen was scheduled to testify before the House Judiciary Committee regarding crimes for which Cohen had been found guilty and in which, according to federal prosecutors, the President participated. Gaetz was referred to the Florida Bar for investigation and possible discipline. In August 2019, the Florida Bar announced it had found "no probable cause" that Gaetz had violated its rules and closed its investigation. In August 2020, the House Committee on Ethics admonished Gaetz for unprofessional behavior.
| Feb. 27, 2019 | Florida Bar Association opened an investigation against Gaetz for attempted witness intimidation |
| May. 8, 2019 | Florida Bar Association moved the investigation to the Grievance Committee to decide whether or not there is probable cause that Gaetz broke Florida Supreme Court rules for lawyers |
| Mar. 13, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics after receipt of a member complaint, the committee began a review of Gaetz's tweet |
| May. 13, 2019 | Gaetz refused to appear for an interview with the committee. |
| Jun. 28, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics on May 16 warned Gaetz that further non-compliance would result in an Investigative Subcommittee; he continued to refuse to appear for an interview and they established the Investigative Subcommittee in June |
| Aug. 14, 2019 | Florida Bar Association closed its investigation with a finding of no probable cause of rule violation |
| Aug. 21, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics published the report of the Investigative Subcommittee admonishing Gaetz for unprofessional behavior |
Rep. Robin Hayes [R-NC8, 1999-2008]
Hayes, the former Republican representative for NC-8 from 1999-2008 and then-chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery and conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, along with several counts of making false statements in an effort to bribe North Carolina's insurance commissioner. In October 2019, Mr. Hayes pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI while being investigated for conspiracy and bribery. On January 20, 2021, Hayes was pardoned by President Trump.
| Apr. 2, 2019 | Federal Bureau of Investigation indicted Mr. Hayes |
| Oct. 2, 2019 | Pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI while being investigated for conspiracy and bribery. |
| Jan. 20, 2021 | Pardoned by President Trump. |
Rep. Rod Blum [R-IA1, 2015-2018]
In 2018, Blum was accused of omitting required information from financial disclosure reports; permitting the use of official House resources for a private business in which he had a financial interest and the use of unfair or deceptive trade practices. In July 2018, the Office of Congressional Ethics referred the allegations to the House Committee on Ethics for further investigation. In December 2018, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Blum's response. In January 2019, the Committee ceased investigating as its juridiction ended with the 115th Congress.
| Jul. 19, 2018 | Office of Congressional Ethics referred the allegations to the House Committee on Ethics for further investigation |
| Nov. 6, 2018 | Blum lost the election. |
| Dec. 17, 2018 | Office of Congressional Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 2, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics ceased investigating on January 3, 2019 because Blum lost his election and the committee's jurisdiction ended |
Rep. Thomas Garrett [R-VA5, 2017-2018]
In May 2018, Garrett announced he is an alcoholic and that he would not run for re-election at the same time that allegations that he had been using Congressional staff to perform unofficial work and personal errands emerged. In September 2018, the Office of Congressional Ethics referred the allegations to the House Committee on Ethics. In December 2018, the House Committee on Ethics announced it was extending its investigation The investigation ceased with the end of the 115th Congress as Garrett is no longer in Congress.
| May. 28, 2018 | Garrett announced he is an alcoholic and would not run for re-election. |
| Sep. 5, 2018 | Office of Congressional Ethics referred the allegations to the House Committee on Ethics for further investigation |
| Dec. 4, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 2, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics ceased investigating because jurisdiction ended with the 115th Congress |
Rep. James Renacci [R-OH16, 2011-2018]
In April 2018, the Ohio Democratic Party filed a complaint against Renacci with the Office of Congressional Ethics for misusing his congressional office for campaign purposes. In November 2018, Renacci lost the Senate election to Sherrod Brown and the House Committee on Ethics extended its investigation of the allegations. The Committee ceased investigating at the end of the 115th because they no longer had jurisdiction.
| Aug. 9, 2018 | Office of Congressional Ethics referred the allegations to the House Committee on Ethics for further investigation |
| Nov. 6, 2018 | Renacci lost the Senate election against Sherrod Brown and leaves Congress at the end of the 115th Congress. |
| Jan. 2, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics ceased investigating with the end of the 115th Congress because they no longer had jurisdiction |
Rep. Pramila Jayapal [D-WA7]
On June 28, Rep. Jayapal was arrested for crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, during a protest inside a Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that no further investigation was needed since Rep. Jayapal had paid a $50 fine and charges were dropped.
| Jun. 25, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that no further investigation was needed since Rep. Jayapal had paid a $50 fine and charges were dropped |
Rep. David Schweikert [R-AZ1]
In 2018, Rep. Schweikert was accused of using or authorizing impermissable expenditures from his Members’ Representational Allowance and receiving improper campaign contributions. In June 2018, the House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee (ISC). In December of 2018, the ISC expanded its investigation and added alleged failure to make financial disclosures. On July 30, 2020, the House Committee on Ethics published their report, concluded he was guilty of all charges, recommended a reprimand and fined Schweikert $50,000. On July 31, 2020, the House voted unanimously in a voice vote to formally reprimand Rep. Schweikert.
| Jun. 28, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee |
| Dec. 20, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics Investigative Subcommittee expanded the inquiry into more instances of improper uses of funds and to add allegations of failure to provide financial disclosures |
| Apr. 17, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics report as required when the Investigative Subcommittee has not completed its work one year after its establishment |
| May. 3, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics reauthorized for the Investigative Subcommittee for the 116th Congress |
| Jul. 30, 2020 | House Committee on Ethics published their report, concluded he was guilty of all charges, recommended a reprimand and fined Schweikert $50,000 |
| Jul. 31, 2020 | House of Representatives voted unanimously by voice to reprimand Rep. Schweikert |
Rep. Paul Gosar [R-AZ9]
In February 2018, a resolution to reprimand Rep. Gosar for attempting to pressure Capitol Police via Twitter to arrest State of the Union 2018 guests he described as "illegal aliens" was tabled (i.e. failed) on party lines, 231-187. Several Democratic representatives brought undocumented immigrants who are currently part of the DACA program to the speech.
| Jan. 30, 2018 | Asked Capitol Police to arrest DACA recipients attending the 2018 State of the Union address. |
| Feb. 6, 2018 | House of Representatives tabled resolution of reprimand, 231-187 |
Rep. Elizabeth Esty [D-CT5, 2013-2018]
In April of 2018, Rep. Esty announced she would not seek reelection after she admitted that she had failed to address sexual harassment by one staffer against another in a timely manner. She said she had also asked for a review of her office's actions by the House Committee on Ethics. In December of 2018, the House Committee on Ethics found that Esty had broken no House rules but that she could have handled the situation better.
| Apr. 2, 2018 | Esty announced she would not seek re-election in 2018. |
| Dec. 20, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics found that Esty had not acted quickly to remove the staffer as she should have, but that she did not break any rules |
Rep. Devin Nunes [R-CA22, 2013-2021]
In 2018, the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) announced it was investigating Nunes for receiving campaign contributions in excess of limits and from prohibited entities. This and other investigations appear to have been resolved as issues of inadequate accounting with a range of fines paid and revised disclosures. Nunes resigned at the beginning of 2022.
| Mar. 20, 2018 | Federal Elections Commission sent a letter to Nunes' campaign treasurer |
| Oct. 27, 2012 | The FEC appears to have had many interactions with the Nunes campaign for over a decade, which as of late 2021, appear to have been resolved via fines and revised discloures. |
| Jan. 1, 2022 | Nunes resigned. |
Rep. Robert Brady [D-PA1, 1998-2018]
Brady faced an allegation of leading a criminal conspiracy to hide a $90,000 payment made to persuade a 2012 primary opponent to drop out of the race. On Nov. 1, 2017, the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a search warrant for email. Brady announced he would not run for re-election in January 2018. Brady has never been charged in the case.
| Nov. 1, 2017 | Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a search warrant for email |
| Jan. 31, 2018 | Brady announced he would not run for re-election. |
| Oct. 13, 2020 | Brady has never been charged. |
Rep. Patrick Meehan [R-PA7, 2011-2018]
While serving on the House Committee on Ethics, Meehan used taxpayer funds to settle a 2017 sexual harassment complaint privately, heading off an investigation. He was subsequently removed from the House Committee on Ethics. In March 2018, the House Committee on Ethics had established and staffed an Investigative Subcommittee When Meehan resigned in April 2018, the Committee ceased investigating because he was no longer within their jurisdiction.
| Jan. 20, 2018 | House of Representatives removed Meehan from his position on the House Committee on Ethics |
| Jan. 22, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation |
| Mar. 8, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics has established and staffed the Investigative Subcommittee |
| Apr. 27, 2018 | Meehan resigned. |
| Jan. 2, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics ceased investigating in April because the Committee's jurisdiction ended with his resignation |
Rep. John J. “Jimmy” Duncan [R-TN2, 1988-2018]
In 2017, the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review of allegations against Rep. Duncan, Jr. for converting campaign funds to personal use and accepting contributions from staff while reimbursing them for those contributions from the campaign committee. In 2018, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Duncan's response. In January 2019, the Committee ceased investigating as its jurisdiction ended with the 115th Congress.
| Dec. 19, 2017 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Apr. 4, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Nov. 6, 2018 | Duncan lost the election. |
| Jan. 2, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics ceased investigation as jurisdiction ended with 115th Congress |
Rep. Ruben Kihuen [D-NV4, 2017-2018]
On Dec. 15, 2017, the House Committee on Ethics announced that it had begun an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Kihuen. On November 16, 2018, the Committee the Committee found that Representative Kihuen made persistent and unwanted advances towards women who were required to interact with him as part of their professional responsibilities. As a result, the Committee voted to adopt the Investigative Subcommittee's report, which along with the Committee's report will serve as a reproval of Kihuen.
| Dec. 15, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation |
| Dec. 16, 2017 | Kihuen will not seek re-election. |
| Dec. 21, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics voted unanimously to establish an Investigative Subcommittee |
| Jan. 2, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics named members of the Investigative Subcommittee |
| Nov. 15, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics voted to adopt the Investigative Subcommittee's report, which along with the Committee's report will serve as a reproval of Kihuen |
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez [D-IL4, 1993-2018]
In 2017 Gutiérrez was investigated for having been arrested during a December protest outside of the White House. The House Committee on Ethics recommended no action as the fine has been paid. On November 28, 2017, Representative Gutiérrez announced he would not seek reelection to Congress.
| Dec. 21, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics recommended no action as the fine was paid |
| Nov. 28, 2017 | Representative Gutiérrez announced he would not seek reelection to Congress. |
Rep. Judy Chu [D-CA28]
In 2017 Chu was investigated for having been arrested during a December protest outside of the White House. The House Committee on Ethics recommended no action as the fine has been paid.
| Dec. 21, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics recommended no action as the fine was paid |
Rep. Trent Franks [R-AZ8, 2013-2017]
In 2017, Franks resigned due to reports that he had asked staff members to carry his surrogate child and had offered one staffer $5 million dollars to impregnate her via intercourse.
| Dec. 7, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation |
| Dec. 9, 2017 | Resigned. |
Sen. Alan “Al” Franken [D-MN, 2009-2017]
On December 7, 2017, Senator Franken announced his resignation which was effective January 2, 2018 due to allegations of sexual harassment. Select Committee on Ethics began investigating Senator Franken on November 30, 2017.
| Nov. 30, 2017 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics began investigating Senator Franken |
| Dec. 7, 2017 | Franken announced his resignation, which was effective January 2, 2018. |
Rep. John Conyers [D-MI13, 2013-2017]
On December 5, 2017, Conyers resigned from office at the start of an investigation for sexual harassment, age discrimination, and improper use of official resources for personal purposes.
| Nov. 21, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation |
| Dec. 5, 2017 | Conyers resigned from office. |
Rep. Bob Filner [D-CA51, 2003-2012]
In 2013 Filner pleaded guilty to groping, sexually suggestive comments and unwanted advances as mayor of San Diego, CA. In Nov. 2017, Rep. Diana DeGettee alleged that Filner had groped her when their Congressional terms overlapped.
| Oct. 13, 2013 | Pleaded guilty to groping, sexually suggestive comments and unwanted advances as mayor of San Diego, CA. |
| Nov. 20, 2017 | Rep. Diana DeGette alleged that Filner had groped her while he was still in Congress. |
Sen. Robert “Bob” Menendez [D-NJ]
Menendez was investigated for unspecified misconduct in 2012. The Senate investigation was halted during his investigation and trial for corruption and bribery which resulted in a mistrial. In April 2018, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics admonished Senator Menendez for violating Senate rules and ordered him to repay any remaining outstanding value of impermissable gifts.
| Nov. 16, 2017 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics reopened its investigation after Menendez's corruption and bribery case ended in a mistrial |
| Apr. 26, 2018 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics admonished Senator Menendez for violating Senate rules and ordered him to repay any remaining outstanding value of impermissable gifts |
Rep. Anthony Weiner [D-NY9, 1999-2011]
Weiner sent sexually explicit texts to women who were not his wife, including to a 15-year-old girl. On Jun. 21, 2011, he resigned. On Oct. 28, 2016, the Director of the FBI, James Comey, publicly reopened his investigation into presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton because the computer seized as part of the Weiner investigation contained some emails that might have been relevant to a prior investigation into Clinton.
| Jun. 21, 2011 | Resigned. |
| Sep. 21, 2016 | A newspaper article claimed Weiner had sent explicit text messages to a 15 year old girl and computers were seized as part of the investigation into the incident. |
| Oct. 28, 2016 | The Director of the FBI, James Comey, publicly reopened his investigation into presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton because the computer seized as part of the Weiner investigation contained some emails that might have been relevant to a prior investigation into Clinton. |
| May. 19, 2017 | Surrendered to the FBI and pleaded guilty to a single charge of transferring obscene materials to a minor. |
| Nov. 6, 2017 | Sentenced to 21 months in prison. |
Rep. William Jefferson [D-LA2, 1991-2008]
In 2009 Jefferson was convicted of bribery. In 2012, he was sentenced to 13 years in prison. In 2017, 7 of the 10 indictments were dismissed and he was released from prison.
| 2009 | Convicted. |
| 2012 | Sentenced to 13 years in prison. |
| 2017 | Seven of the 10 indictments were dismissed and he was released from prison. |
Rep. Chris Collins [R-NY27, 2013-2019]
On Aug. 8, 2018, Collins was arrested and indicted on charges of insider trading of Innate stock by the FBI. He had been under investigation by the House Office of Congressional Ethics since 2017 for sharing material nonpublic information in the purchase of Innate stock, using his status to purchase discounted stock, and in 2013 directing an NIH employee to meet with Innate staff to discuss a clinical trial. He briefly suspended his reelection campaign, then unsuspended it and kept his seat. On Sept. 30, 2019, Collins resigned from Congress and on Oct. 1, 2019, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and lying to federal investigators. On December 22, 2020, Collins was pardoned by President Trump.
| Jul. 14, 2017 | Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review by the House Committee on Ethics |
| Aug. 28, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics decided to extend the matter |
| Oct. 12, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rep. Collins's response |
| Aug. 8, 2018 | Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested and indicted on charges of insider trading of Innate stock |
| Aug. 8, 2018 | House of Representatives removed Collins from the House Energy & Commerce Committee after he offered his resignation from the committee |
| Aug. 11, 2018 | Collins announced he would not run for re-election. |
| Sep. 6, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee and simultaneously deferred further investigation to the Department of Justice |
| Sep. 18, 2018 | Collins reversed his August decision and did run for reelection. |
| Nov. 6, 2018 | Collins won reelection. |
| May. 3, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee and simultaneously deferred further investigation to the Department of Justice |
| Sep. 30, 2019 | Collins resigned from Congress. |
| Oct. 1, 2019 | Collins pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and lying to federal investigators. |
| Dec. 22, 2020 | Pardoned by President Trump. |
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez [D-IL4, 1993-2018]
In 2017 Gutiérrez was investigated for having been arrested during a protest outside of the White House. The House Committee on Ethics recommended no action as the fine has been paid. On November 28, 2017, Representative Gutiérrez announced he would not seek reelection to Congress.
| Sep. 14, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics adopted a report recommending no action as the fine was paid |
| Nov. 28, 2017 | Representative Gutiérrez announced he would not seek reelection to Congress. |
Rep. Madeleine Bordallo [D-GU, 2003-2018]
In 2017 Bardallo was investigated for receiving profit from a foreign government; excess gifts; use of official funds for personal travel; and using congressional staff for personal services. The House Committee on Ethics recommended further review. In 2019, the Committee reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction.
| Jun. 12, 2017 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee further review the allegation that Del. Bordallo received rental profit, received gifts of free lodging, meals, and amenities, and using official funds to pay for her lodging and meals, and recommended that the Committee dismiss the allegation that Del. Bordallo used her congressional staff to perform personal services |
| Jul. 27, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics decided to extend the matter |
| Sep. 11, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rep. Bordallo's response |
| Jan. 2, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of the member's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. John Conyers [D-MI13, 2013-2017]
In 2017 Conyers was investigated for compensating staff for work in 2016 not commensurate with pay with House of Representatives funds. The House Committee on Ethics recommended further review.
| May. 11, 2017 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jun. 26, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics decided to extend the matter |
| Aug. 9, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rep. Conyers's response |
| Dec. 5, 2017 | Conyers resigned from office. |
Sen. Ben Ray Luján [D-NM]
In 2017 Lujan was investigated for requesting that his congressional campaign committee issue communications, including requests for donations, using images of him in a “sit-in” demonstration in the House. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that no action was needed.
| May. 11, 2017 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jun. 26, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics decided to extend the matter |
| Aug. 1, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics adopted a report concluding that no action was needed |
Rep. Greg Gianforte [R-MT, 2017-2020]
In 2017 Gianforte pleaded guilty to assaulting a reporter in 2017 the night before he was elected to Congress.
| 2017 | Pleaded guilty. |
Rep. Devin Nunes [R-CA22, 2013-2021]
In 2017 Nunes was investigated for unauthorized disclosures of classified information, but the House Committee on Ethics later concluded that the information was not classified.
| Apr. 6, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics opened an investigation |
| Dec. 7, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that the information was not classified |
Rep. Duncan D. Hunter [R-CA50, 2013-2020]
In 2016 Hunter was investigated for converting funds from his congressional campaign committee for personal use. The House Committee on Ethics deferred to the Department of Justice. In August 2018, Hunter was indicted. In June 2019, Hunter's wife pleaded guilty and said that she and Hunter misused over $200,000 in campaign funds for personal purposes. In December 2019, Hunter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to misuse campaign funds. The House Committee on Ethics released the findings of the Office of Congressional Ethics and resumed its investigation. Hunter resigned from Congress in January 2020 and was pardoned on December 22, 2020 by President Trump.
| Aug. 31, 2016 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Mar. 23, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics deferred to the Department of Justice |
| Mar. 23, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics deferred to the Department of Justice |
| Aug. 21, 2018 | Federal Bureau of Investigations indicted Hunter and his wife for converting campaign funds to personal use. |
| Sep. 6, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics established an Investigative Subcommittee and simultaneously deferred further investigation to the Department of Justice |
| Nov. 6, 2018 | Hunter was reelected. |
| May. 3, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics reauthorized for the Investigative Subcommittee for the 116th Congress and simultaneously deferred further investigation to the Department of Justice |
| Jun. 13, 2019 | Hunter's wife changed her plea to guilty and said that she and Hunter misused over $200,000 in campaign funds for personal purposes. |
| Dec. 3, 2019 | Hunter pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to misuse campaign funds. |
| Dec. 9, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics resumed its investigation as the Department of Justice has completed its work and released the findings of the Office of Congressional Ethics |
| Jan. 7, 2020 | Submitted his resignation from Congress. |
| Dec. 22, 2020 | Pardoned by President Trump. |
Rep. Roger Williams [R-TX25]
In 2017 Williams was investigated for improperly taking official action in 2015 on a matter in which he had a personal financial interest. The House Committee on Ethics concluded the Williams Amendment could have affected Representative Williams’ personal financial interests, however the totality of the circumstances surrounding Representative Williams’ actions did not create a reasonable inference of improper conduct.
| May. 13, 2016 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Aug. 1, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that the Williams Amendment could have affected Representative Williams’ personal financial interests, however the totality of the circumstances surrounding Representative Williams’ actions did not create a reasonable inference of improper conduct |
Rep. Dennis “Denny” Hastert [R-IL14, 1987-2007]
In 2016 Hastert pleaded guilty to child molestation, 10 years after leaving Congress. In 2006, Hastert declined to run for office again. He was indicted in 2015, served 13 months in prison and was released in 2017.
| 2006 | Hastert did not seek reelection. |
| 2015 | Indicted. |
| 2016 | Pleaded guilty, served 13 months in prison. |
Rep. Marlin Stutzman [R-IN3, 2010-2016]
In 2016 Stutzman was investigated for using campaign funds for a 2015 family trip which included some campaign activity. The House Committee on Ethics recommended further review; however after Stutzman's loss in the 2016 election, the investigation was ended.
| Aug. 31, 2016 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Nov. 29, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rep. Stutzman's response. |
| Jan. 2, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics reported that election loss ended the committee's jurisdiction. |
Rep. Alan Grayson [D-FL9, 2013-2016]
In 2015 Grayson was investigated for numerous alleged violations, the majority of which relate to his leadership and ownership of a hedge fund and law firms, omissions from his annual financial disclosure forms, and the use of official resources for unofficial purposes. He lost the 2016 election.
| Apr. 5, 2016 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Jan. 3, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rep. Grayson's response |
| Jan. 2, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of Grayson's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Corrine Brown [D-FL5, 2013-2016]
In 2016 Brown was convicted for a range of mail violations, wire fraud, defrauding the IRS and related charges. In 2016, Brown lost in the primary and in 2017 she was convicted of the charges against her. In December 2017, she was sentenced to five years in prison. In May 2021, her conviction was vacated. In May 2022, Brown pleaded guilty to one count of lying on her tax returns. In June 2022, she announced that she would be running for the FL-10 seat in the upcoming election](https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/politics/2022/06/16/corrine-brown-running-again-congress-central-florida/7646594001/).
| Mar. 23, 2016 | House Committee on Ethics deferred to the Department of Justice |
| 2016 | Brown lost in the primary. |
| 2017 | Convicted and was sentenced to five years in prison. |
| May. 6, 2021 | Conviction vacated. |
| May. 18, 2022 | Pleaded guilty to one count of lying on her tax returns. |
Rep. Michael “Mike” Honda [D-CA17, 2013-2016]
In 2015 Honda was investigated for using official resources for campaign purposes. The House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rep. Honda's response. Honda lost his 2016 election.
| Jun. 5, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Sep. 3, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings recommending that the matter be dismissed |
| Jan. 2, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics reported that election loss ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. David McKinley [R-WV1, 2011-2022]
In 2016 McKinley received a letter of reproval for remaining a named partner in his prior business after being elected to Congress. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that McKinley violated House rules and issued a letter of reproval.
| Sep. 27, 2016 | House Committee on Ethics concluded McKinley violated House rules and issued a letter of reproval |
Rep. Mark Meadows [R-NC11, 2013-2020]
In 2016 Meadows was investigated for retaining an employee through 2015 who did not perform duties after 2014 commensurate with the compensation the employee received. This employee, Mr. West, had been demoted after Meadows learned of West's sexual harassment of other Meadows' staff. Meadows commissioned his own investigation and ignored the recommendation to fire West. Further, Meadows did not seek guidance on whether continuing to pay West was in accordance with House Rules and his separatist approach to keeping West on staff, but away from women staff was effectively discriminatory since it precluded their access to to Meadows. For these reasons, the Committee unanimously voted to reprove Meadows and to require him to repay West's excess two month's salary of $40,625.02.
| May. 18, 2016 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Aug. 17, 2016 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Nov. 16, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics the Committee unanimously voted to issue this Report, which will serve as a reproval of Representative Meadows’ conduct, and to require Representative Meadows to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for the overpayment of Mr. West, in the amount of $40,625.02 |
Rep. Ed Whitfield [R-KY1, 1995-2016]
In 2016 Whitfield received a letter of reproval for permitting his spouse to lobby him and/or his congressional staff from 2011 to 2014. The House Committee on Ethics found the violation occured and that the report would be the reproval.
| Nov. 10, 2014 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 4, 2016 | House Committee on Ethics found the violation occured and that the report would be the reproval |
Rep. Vern Buchanan [R-FL16]
In 2012 Buchanan was investigated for improperly influencing a witness before the FEC and illegally reimbursing campaign contributors. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that there was insufficient evidence on the allegation of witness tampering, but that the illegal reimbursements did occur, albeit without the representative's knowledge.
| May. 9, 2012 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Jun. 24, 2016 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that there was insufficient evidence on the allegation of witness tampering, but that the illegal reimbursements did occur, albeit without the Representative's knowledge |
Rep. Chaka Fattah [D-PA2, 1995-2016]
In 2016 Fattah was convicted for conspiracy, racketeering, bribery, fraud, falsification of records, making false statements, and money laundering after a 2015 House investigation had been launched. The House Committee on Ethics ended its investigation when Fattah resigned. Fattah resigned in 2016, two days after being convicted of the charges. He is currently serving a ten year sentence.
| Jun. 24, 2016 | House Committee on Ethics ended the investigation when Fattah resigned |
| 2016 | Fattah resigned in 2016, two days after being convicted of the charges. |
Rep. Jared Polis [D-CO2, 2009-2018]
In 2015 Polis was investigated for official endorsement of commercial products. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that no action was needed.
| Dec. 14, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Dec. 14, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that no action was needed |
Rep. Robert Pittenger [R-NC9, 2013-2018]
In 2015 Pittenger was investigated for compensation for his involvement with a fiduciary business, a real estate investment firm known as Pittenger Land Investments, Inc. The House Committee on Ethics deferred to the Department of Justice. In May 2017, the FBI closed the investigation without making any charges. The Committee ceased investigating with the end of the 115th Congress because Pittenger lost his election and they no longer had jurisdiction.
| Nov. 18, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics deferred to the Department of Justice |
| Jan. 2, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics continued to defer to the Department of Justice |
| May 2017 | The FBI closed the investigation without making any charges. |
| Nov. 6, 2018 | Pittenger lost the election. |
| Jan. 2, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics ceased investigating with the end of the 115th Congress because they no longer had jurisdiction |
Rep. Blake Farenthold [R-TX27, 2011-2018]
In 2015 Farenthold was investigated for sexual harassment on the basis of a 2014 lawsuit filed against him alleging sexual harassment. The lawsuit was resolved in 2015 with a taxpayer-funded settlement that was revealed in 2017, and the House Committee on Ethics investigation was re-opened. On April 6, 2018, Farenthold resigned. On April 12, the House Committee on Ethics closed the investigation due to loss of jurisdiction.
| Sep. 28, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics recommended further review, but to postpone that review until the lawsuit was resolved |
| 2015 | The lawsuit was resolved with a taxpayer-funded settlement that was revealed in 2017. |
| Dec. 7, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics re-opened the investigation |
| Dec. 13, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics named members to the Investigative Subcommittee |
| Dec. 13, 2017 | Farenthold announced he would not seek reelection in 2018. |
| Dec. 21, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics expanded the range of allegations being investigated to include campaign finance violations |
| Apr. 6, 2018 | Farenthold resigned. |
| Apr. 12, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics closed its investigation due to loss of jurisdiction |
Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham [D-NM1, 2013-2018]
In 2015 Grisham was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
Rep. Gregory Meeks [D-NY5]
In 2015 Meeks was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
Rep. Ted Poe [R-TX2, 2005-2018]
In 2015 Poe was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
Rep. Jim Bridenstine [R-OK1, 2013-2018]
In 2015 Bridenstine was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
Rep. Yvette Clarke [D-NY9]
In 2015 Clarke was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
Rep. Danny Davis [D-IL7]
In 2015 Davis was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee [D-TX18]
In 2015 Lee was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
Rep. Leonard Lance [R-NJ7, 2009-2018]
In 2015 Lance was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
Rep. Rubén Hinojosa [D-TX15, 1997-2016]
In 2015 Hinojosa was investigated for travel funded or organized by one or more entities prohibited from providing congressional travel. The House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities. Hinojosa did not seek reelection in 2016.
| May. 8, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jul. 31, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics concluded implicated House members did not intentionally accept gifts from prohibited entities |
| 2016 | Hinojosa did not seek reelection. |
Rep. Aaron Schock [R-IL18, 2009-2015]
In 2018 Schock will be tried for soliciting campaign contributions in excess of legally allowed amounts. In 2013, the House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rep. Schock's response. In 2015, Schock resigned amid a host of allegations of improper use of campaign funds.
| Aug. 30, 2012 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Feb. 6, 2013 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Rep. Schock's response |
| Mar. 17, 2015 | Schock resigned effective Mar. 31, 2015. |
| Jan. 2, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics reported that Schock's resignation ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Paul Broun [R-GA10, 2007-2014]
In 2014 Broun was investigated for using official resources for campaign purposes. The House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Broun's response. Broun lost his 2014 election.
| Jul. 31, 2014 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Oct. 29, 2015 | House Office of Congressional Ethics found "substantial reason to believe that Representative Broun used MRA funds to compensate an individual for services provided to one or more of his election campaigns, in violation of House rules and federal law." |
| Nov. 4, 2014 | Broun lost reelection. |
| Jan. 2, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of Broun's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Michele Bachmann [R-MN6, 2007-2014]
In 2013 Bachmann was investigated for campaign finance violations. The House Committee on Ethics recommended further review. When Bachmann did not seek reelection in 2014, the investigation ende.
| Jun. 13, 2013 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations and referred the information obtained during the course of its review to the FEC |
| Sep. 11, 2013 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| 2014 | Bachmann did not seek reelection. |
| Jan. 2, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of Bachmann's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Timothy Bishop [D-NY1, 2003-2014]
In 2013 Bishop was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for constituent services in 2012. The House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Bishop's response.. Representative Bishop lost the 2014 election.
| Jun. 13, 2013 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Sep. 11, 2013 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Nov. 4, 2014 | Bishop lost reelection. |
| Jan. 2, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of Bishop's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Thomas “Tom” Petri [R-WI6, 1979-2014]
In 2014 Petri was investigated for performing official work on behalf of companies in which he had a financial interest from 2008 to 2013. The House Committee on Ethics recommended no further action. Petri announced in November 2014 he would not seek reelection.
| Jul. 2, 2014 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Dec. 11, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics recommended no further action |
| November 2014 | Petri announced he would not seek reelection. |
Rep. Alcee Hastings [D-FL20, 2013-2021]
In 2012 Hastings was investigated for sexual harassment and employment retaliation. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that there was insufficient evidence to act further even though the representative admitted to "less than professional behavior".
| Nov. 8, 2011 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Dec. 11, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that there was insufficient evidence to act further even though the representative admitted to "less than professional behavior" |
Rep. Phil Gingrey [R-GA11, 2003-2014]
In 2012 Gingrey was investigated for 2011 compensation from banks on whose behalf he advocated. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that Gingrey did advocate for banks in which he had a financial interest and issued a letter of reproval. In 2014, Representative Gingrey lost in the primary for one of Georgia's Senate seats.
Rep. Judy Chu [D-CA28]
In 2014 Chu received a letter of reproval for using House staff to perform campaign activities and then obstructing the investigation. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that the campaign work occured without her knowledge but because Chu attempted to obstruct the investigation, a letter of reproval was issued.
| Dec. 11, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that the campaign work occured without her knowledge but because Chu attempted to obstruct the investigation, a letter of reproval was issued |
Rep. Michael Grimm [R-NY11, 2013-2014]
In 2014 Grimm pleaded guilty to tax evasion after having been investigated for violating federal campaign finance laws by soliciting and accepting prohibited campaign contributions, causing false information to be included in campaign finance reports, and improperly seeking assistance from a foreign national in soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for offering to use his official position to assist that individual in obtaining a green card. This plea came three years after the Office of Congressional Ethics began an investigation of the allegations. Grimm resigned in January 2015 and served seven months in prison.
| Nov. 26, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics deferred to the Department of Justice |
| 2014 | Grimm pleaded guilty to tax evasion. |
| 2015 | Resigned and served seven months in prison. |
Rep. Bobby Rush [D-IL1, 1993-2022]
In 2014 Rush was investigated for allowing state and federal campaign committees to accept in-kind contributions. With publication of its report, the House Committee on Ethics reproved Rush for accepting a gift of rent-free office space even if it did not amount to a campaign contribution and ordered him to repay the value of the gift.
| Jun. 10, 2014 | House Office of Congressional Ethics referred the case to the House Committee on Ethics |
| Nov. 10, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Mar. 22, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics with publication of its report, the committee reproved Rush for accepting a gift of rent-free office space even if it did not amount to a campaign contribution and ordered him to repay the value of the gift |
Rep. Gwen Moore [D-WI4]
In 2014 Moore was investigated for an arrest at a 2014 protest in Wisconsin. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that the fines would be paid and no further investigation was required.
| Sep. 11, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that the fines would be paid and no further investigation was required |
Rep. Don Young [R-AK, 1973-2022]
In 2014 Young received a letter of reproval for improper travel gifts and failure to disclose them. The House Committee on Ethics concluded Young had improperly accepted travel gifts and issued a letter of reproval.
| Jun. 20, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics concluded Young had improperly accepted travel gifts and issued a letter of reproval |
Rep. Steve Stockman [R-TX36, 2013-2014]
Stockman was convicted of fraud in 2018 related to personal and other improper use of campaign funds. In 2014 the House began an investigation into conspiring to accept contributions to his congressional campaign committee from individuals who were employed by his congressional office. Stockman lost the 2014 Senate primary and did not win re-election to his House seat. On December 22, 2020, Stockman was pardoned by President Trump.
| Mar. 13, 2014 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Jun. 11, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| 2014 | Stockman lost the Senate primary and did not win reelection to his House seat. |
| Jan. 2, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of Stockman's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
| Apr. 12, 2018 | Convicted of 23 felonies. |
| Dec. 22, 2020 | Pardoned by President Trump. |
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez [D-IL4, 1993-2018]
In 2013 Gutiérrez was investigated for using funds from his Members Representational Allowance from 2003-2013 for an impermissible purpose - to retain an individual to provide services to his congressional office that more closely resemble those provided by an employee or consultant, rather than a contractor. In March 2018, the House Committee on Ethics reproved Gutiérrez for using his Member Representational Allowance inappropriately, albeit possibly unwittingly, and ordered him to reimburse the US Treasury for that use. On November 28, 2017, Representative Gutiérrez announced he would not seek reelection.
| Dec. 4, 2013 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| May. 5, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 2, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the review would continue into the next Congress |
| Jan. 2, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the review would continue into the next Congress |
| Nov. 28, 2017 | Gutiérrez announced he would not seek reelection. |
| Mar. 22, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics reproved Gutiérrez for using his Member Representational Allowance inappropriately, albeit possibly unwittingly, and ordered him to reimburse the US Treasury for that use |
Rep. Cathy Anne McMorris Rodgers [R-WA5]
In 2013 Rodgers was investigated for using official resources, including staff, for campaign activities, paying a consultant for official services with funds from political committees, and combining official resources and campaign resources in furtherance of a campaign for a House leadership office from 2010 to 2012. As of 2019, the House Committee on Ethics has yet to conclude its review. In December 2019, the Committee completed its review. It ordered Rodgers to reimburse the House $7575.95 and reproved her for her sloppiness in managing her funds.
| Dec. 23, 2013 | House Office of Congressional Ethics referred the case to the House Committee on Ethics |
| Mar. 24, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 2, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the review would continue into the next Congress |
| Jan. 2, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the review would continue into the next Congress |
| Jan. 2, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the review would continue into the next Congress |
| Dec. 19, 2019 | House Committee on Ethics required Rodgers to reimburse the House $7575.95 for misused funds and issued a report which is also a reproval |
Sen. Markwayne Mullin [R-OK]
In 2013 Mullin was investigated for receiving excess outside earned income, endorsing companies or products as part of outside employment and serving as a board member or officer of outside companies --- his family's businesses. Because Mullin was already consulting with the House Committee on Ethics about how to handle his relationship with his family's businesses when the Office of Congressional Ethics began its investigation, the House Committee on Ethics concluded that Mullin had been making a good faith effort to be compliant with House rules and that apart from rectifying a $40,000 accounting error, no further action was warranted.
| Dec. 23, 2013 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Mar. 24, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Jan. 2, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the review would continue into the next Congress |
| Jan. 2, 2017 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the review would continue into the next Congress |
| Aug. 10, 2018 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that because Rep. Mullin was already consulting with the House Committee on Ethics about how to handle his relationship to his family's businesses when the Office of Congressional Ethics began a separate investigation, the House Committee on Ethics concluded that Rep. Mullins was making a good faith effort to be in compliance with House rules and that apart from rectifying a $40,000 accounting error, no further action was warranted |
Rep. Robert “Rob” Andrews [D-NJ1, 1990-2014]
In 2013 Andrews was investigated for improper use of campaign funds for personal use. The House Committee on Ethics established an independent subcommittee. In 2014, Andrews resigned from Congress and House Committee on Ethics' jurisdiction over Andrews ended.
| Apr. 2, 2012 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review |
| Mar. 19, 2013 | House Committee on Ethics established an independent subcommittee |
| Feb. 4, 2014 | Andrews resigned from Congress effect Feb. 18, 2014. |
| Jan. 2, 2015 | House Committee on Ethics reported that Andrew's resignation ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Trey Radel [R-FL19, 2013-2014]
In 2013 Radel pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine. The House Committee on Ethics ended the investigation when Radel resigned. In 2014, Radel was sentenced to probation, which he served.
| 2013 | Pleaded guilty. |
| Jan. 29, 2014 | House Committee on Ethics ended the investigation when Radel resigned |
| 2014 | Radel was sentenced to probation, which he served. |
Rep. Peter Roskam [R-IL6, 2007-2018]
In 2013 Roskam was investigated for accepting impermissible travel gifts in 2011. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that there was insufficient evidence to show that the travel was improper.
| Jun. 13, 2013 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegation |
| Nov. 15, 2013 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that there was insufficient evidence to show that the travel was improper |
Rep. William L. Owens [D-NY21, 2013-2014]
In 2012 Owens was investigated for accepting impermissible travel gifts in 2011. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that the gift was impermissible, but since Owens repaid the funds, the investigation was closed. Owens did not seek reelection in 2014.
| Aug. 30, 2012 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the first allegation |
| Nov. 15, 2013 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that the gift was impermissible, but since Owens repaid the funds, the investigation was closed |
| 2014 | Owens did not seek reelection in 2014. |
Rep. John Tierney [D-MA6, 1997-2014]
In 2013 Tierney was investigated for failing to declare his wife's income of $40,000 to $160,000 from 2007-2010 to Congress and the IRS because Tierney claimed it was actually a gift from his brother-in-law. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that there was insufficient evidence to show that the funds were income and not gifts and that no further action was needed. In 2010, Representative Tierney's wife pleaded guilty to tax evasion also related to her brother's income. In 2014, Representative Tierney was defeated in the Democratic primary.
| 2010 | Tierney's wife pleaded guilty to tax evasion also related to her brother's income. |
| Jun. 13, 2013 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Sep. 11, 2013 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that there was insufficient evidence to show that the funds were income and not gifts and that no further action was needed |
| 2014 | Tierney was defeated in the Democratic primary. |
Rep. Silvestre Reyes [D-TX16, 1997-2012]
In 2012 Reyes was investigated for improper use of campaign funds for personal use. The House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and Reyes's response. Reyes lost the 2012 election and the House Committe on Ethics' jurisdiction end with Reyes's term.
| Aug. 30, 2012 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Nov. 6, 2012 | Reyes lost reelection. |
| Nov. 28, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| Dec. 31, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics reported that the end of Reyes's term ended the committee's jurisdiction |
Rep. Shelley Berkley [D-NV1, 1999-2012]
In 2012 Berkley was investigated for advocating for programs in which she had a financial interest from 2008-2010. The House Committee on Ethics found that the representative had indeed advocated for some programs in which she had a financial interest. In 2012, Representative Berkley lost reelection.
| Feb. 9, 2012 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended the Committee further review the allegations |
| Dec. 20, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics concluded in a report that the representative had indeed advocated for some programs in which she had a financial interest |
| Nov. 6, 2012 | Berkley lost reelection. |
Rep. Gregory Meeks [D-NY5]
In 2011 Meeks was investigated for failing to disclose a gift in 2007 and receiving a loan on terms not available to the general public in 2010. The House Committee on Ethics dismissed the loan allegation, but found the representative unknowingly failed to properly disclose the gifts.
| Aug. 18, 2011 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Dec. 20, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics dismissed the loan allegation, but found the representative unknowingly failed to properly disclose the gifts |
Rep. Tim Ryan [D-OH13, 2013-2022]
In 2012 Ryan was investigated for charges of public intoxication in 2012. The House Committee on Ethics concluded no action was required as the charges were dismissed.
| Dec. 20, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics concluded no action was required as the charges in Virginia were dismissed |
Rep. Jesse Jackson [D-IL2, 1995-2012]
In 2013, Jackson pleaded guilty to misuse of campaign funds after resigning from Congress in 2012. He also said that the 2008 attempt to purchase the former Senate seat of President Obama, for which he was investigated by Congress was done without his knowledge.
| Aug. 6, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Dec. 2, 2011 | House Committee on Ethics published the Office of Congressional Ethics Report and Findings and the member's response |
| 2012 | Resigned from Congress. |
| Dec. 31, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics reported that Jackson's resignation ended the committee's jurisdiction |
| 2013 | Jackson pleaded guilty to misuse of campaign funds. |
Rep. David Wu [D-OR1, 1999-2011]
In July 2011, Wu was accused of sexual assault and in Aug. 2011, he resigned.
| Jul. 22, 2011 | A newspaper reported allegations that Wu forced her into non-consensual sex. |
| Aug. 4, 2011 | Resigned. |
Rep. Rod Blagojevich [D-IL5, 1997-2002]
In 2011, Blagojevich, a former representative for IL-5, was convicted of a broad range of corruption as Governor of Illinois which included attempting to sell the appointment to the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama after Obama won the 2008 presidential election. In 2020, President Trump commuted Blagojevich's sentence and on Feb. 19, 2020, he was released from jail.
| Jun. 27, 2011 | Convicted of corruption. |
| Feb. 18, 2020 | Blagojevich's sentence commuted by President Trump. |
Rep. Maxine Waters [D-CA43]
In 2009 Waters was investigated for a conflict of interest with respect to meetings with a bank in which she had a financial interest. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that Representative Waters' chief of staff was at fault for creating the appearance of conflict, but Waters was not.
| Jul. 24, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Sep. 25, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that Representative Waters' chief of staff was at fault for creating the appearance of conflict, but Waters was not |
Rep. Vern Buchanan [R-FL16]
In 2011 Buchanan was investigated for failing to report positions he held with outside companies and to report unearned income from 2007 to 2010. The House Committee on Ethics concluded that the representative unknowingly failed to disclose positions in outside companies and unearned income. They were satisfied when the representative amended his forms.
| Nov. 8, 2011 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Jul. 10, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics concluded that the representative unknowingly failed to disclose positions in outside companies and unearned income They were satisfied when the representative amended his forms |
Sen. Thomas Coburn [R-OK, 2005-2014]
In 2012 Coburn received a qualified admonishment for meeting with a lobbyist before the one year embargo on former Congressional staffers' lobbying expired. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics issued a qualified admonishment because Coburn acknowledged his error and it was only a single meeting. The lobbyist in question was the husband of a Sen. John Ensign staffer with whom Ensign had had an affair. Ensign attempted to placate the husband with a lobbying job and Coburn met with the husband before the lobbying embargo had ended. Coburn retired from the Senate in 2015.
| May. 25, 2012 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics issued a qualified admonishment because Coburn acknowledged his error and it was only a single meeting |
Sen. David Vitter [R-LA, 2005-2016]
In 2012 Vitter was investigated for demanding the issuance Gulf of Mexico deep water permits from the Secretary of the Interior in exchange for dropping his block on a proposed salary increase for the Secretary. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics dismissed the charges because there did not appear to be any Senate rule or any law in place prohibiting Vitter's actions. In 2014, Senator Vitter lost the election for Louisiana Governor and did not run again for the Senate.
Rep. Don Young [R-AK, 1973-2022]
In 2011 Young was investigated for accepting campaign contributions in excess of legal limits. The House Committee on Ethics dismissed the allegations, but also changed House rules to prohibit similar contributions in the future .
| Jun. 23, 2011 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Dec. 20, 2011 | House Committee on Ethics dismissed the allegations, but also changed House rules to prohibit similar contributions in the future |
Rep. Luis Gutiérrez [D-IL4, 1993-2018]
In 2011 Gutiérrez was investigated for having been arrested during a protest outside of the White House in 2011. The House Committee on Ethics recommended no action as the fine has been paid. On November 28, 2017, Representative Gutiérrez announced he would not seek reelection to Congress.
| Aug. 5, 2011 | House Committee on Ethics recommended no action as the fine has been paid |
| Nov. 28, 2017 | Gutiérrez announced he would not seek reelection. |
Rep. Jean Schmidt [R-OH2, 2005-2012]
In 2011 Schmidt was investigated for receiving over $500,000 in gifts as legal services without having established a legal services fund as required and for failing to properly disclose the gifts. The House Committee on Ethics found the legal services were impermissble and that the representative was unaware of this, but that the committee would be satisfied if the representative properly disclosed and paid for the services. In 2012, Schmidt lost reelection. When she left office, she had not paid for those services.
| May. 18, 2011 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Aug. 5, 2011 | House Committee on Ethics found the legal services were impermissble and that the representative was unaware of this, but that the committee would be satisfied if the representative properly disclosed and paid for the services |
| 2012 | Schmidt lost reelection. When she left office, she had not paid for those services. |
Rep. Eric Massa [D-NY29, 2009-2010]
In 2010 Massa was investigated for sexual harassment, at some point after he resigned on March 8, 2010, the Congressional Office of Compliance settled with Massa's accusor for $100,000.
| Mar. 4, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct opened an investigation |
| Mar. 5, 2010 | Representative Massa resigned effective Mar. 8, 2010. |
| Mar. 10, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct closed the investigation since he resigned |
| Mar. 11, 2010 | House of Representatives passed a resolution demanding a resumption of the investigation |
| Apr. 20, 2010 | House House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct established an Investigative Subcommittee |
| 2010 | At some point after he resigned, the Congressional Office of Compliance settled with Massa's victims for $100,000. |
| Jul. 14, 2011 | House Committee on Ethics reauthorized an investigative subcommittee |
| Dec. 31, 2012 | House Committee on Ethics had not completed its investigation |
Sen. John Ensign [R-NV, 2001-2011]
In 2011 Ensign was investigated for violating lobbying rules in order to cover up an affair. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics referred the matter to the Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission. Senator Ensign resigned May 3, 2011. The Department of Justice dropped its case in 2010 as did the FEC. However, the FEC reopened it after the Senate's report in 2011 and levied fines in 2013.
| May. 3, 2011 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics referred the matter to the Department of Justice and the Federal Election Commission |
| May. 3, 2011 | Senator Ensign resigned. The Department of Justice dropped its case in 2010 as did the FEC. However, the FEC reopened it after the Senate's report in 2011 and levied fines in 2013. |
Rep. Joseph “Joe” Crowley [D-NY14, 2013-2018]
In 2010 Crowley was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions from entities affected by legislation then under consideration in 2009. The House Committee on Ethics recommended no further action.
| Nov. 3, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Jan. 26, 2011 | House Committee on Ethics recommended no further action |
Rep. Tom Price [R-GA6, 2005-2017]
In 2010 Price was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions from entities affected by legislation then under consideration in 2009. The House Committee on Ethics recommended no further action. In January 2017, Price left Congress to become Heath and Human Services Secretary. On September 29, 2017, Price resigned due to inappropriate use of private and chartered flights while HHS Secretary.
| Sep. 1, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Ethics further review the allegations |
| Jan. 26, 2011 | House Committee on Ethics recommended no further action |
| 2017 | In January 2017, Price left Congress to become Heath and Human Services Secretary. On September 29, 2017, Price resigned due to inappropriate use of private and chartered flights while HHS Secretary. |
Rep. John Bayard Taylor Campbell [R-CA45, 2013-2014]
In 2010 Campbell was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions from entities affected by legislation then under consideration in 2009. The House Committee on Ethics recommended no further action. In 2014, Campell announced he would not seek reelection.
| Sep. 10, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Jan. 26, 2011 | House Committee on Ethics recommended no further action |
| 2014 | Campell announced he would not seek reelection. |
Rep. George “G.K.” Butterfield [D-NC1, 2004-2022]
In 2010 Butterfield was investigated for keeping the difference between his requested travel per diems and the amount he actually spent. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action.
| Jul. 30, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Dec. 31, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action |
Rep. Alcee Hastings [D-FL20, 2013-2021]
In 2010 Hastings was investigated for keeping the difference between his requested travel per diems and the amount he actually spent. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action.
| Jul. 30, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Dec. 31, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action |
Rep. Solomon Ortiz [D-TX27, 1983-2010]
In 2010 Ortiz was investigated for keeping the difference between his requested travel per diems and the amount he actually spent. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action. In 2012, Representative Ortiz lost reelection.
| Jul. 30, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Dec. 31, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action |
| 2012 | Ortiz lost reelection. |
Rep. Joe Wilson [R-SC2]
In 2010 Wilson was investigated for keeping the difference between his requested travel per diems and the amount he actually spent. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action.
| Jul. 30, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Dec. 31, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action |
Rep. Robert Aderholt [R-AL4]
In 2010 Aderholt was investigated for keeping the difference between his requested travel per diems and the amount he actually spent. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action.
| Jul. 30, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Dec. 31, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action |
Rep. Eliot Engel [D-NY16, 2013-2020]
In 2010 Engel was investigated for keeping the difference between his requested travel per diems and the amount he actually spent. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action.
| Jul. 30, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Dec. 31, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no further action |
Rep. Charles “Charlie” Rangel [D-NY13, 2013-2016]
The House voted to censure Rangel for ethics violations and tax evasion on December 2, 2010 by 333-79. In 2016, Representative Rangel did not seek reelection.
| Nov. 29, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended censure |
| Dec. 2, 2010 | House of Representatives voted to censure Rangel 333-79 |
| 2016 | Rangel did not seek reelection. |
Rep. Joe Wilson [R-SC2]
In September 2009, Rep. Wilson heckled President Obama during an address to Congress by yelling "You lie!". A week later, the House reprimanded him, 240-179.
| Sep. 9, 2009 | Wilson heckled President Obama during an address to Congress by yelling "You lie!". |
| Sep. 15, 2009 | House reprimanded Rep. Wilson, 240-179 |
Rep. Laura Richardson [D-CA37, 2007-2012]
In 2009 Richardson was investigated for violating gift and financial disclosure rules with respect to her home, its foreclosure and yard work from 2007 to 2008. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded that Representative Richardson did not knowingly receive and/or fail to disclose gifts with respect to her home, its foreclosure or yard work. In 2012, Representative Richardson lost her bid for reelection in 2012.
Rep. Nathan Deal [R-GA9, 2007-2010]
In 2010 Deal was investigated for improper influence over state officials to his financial benefit and failure to accurately disclose his earnings. The House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended further review. Deal subsequently resigned.
| Feb. 5, 2010 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Mar. 21, 2010 | Deal resigned. |
Rep. Donna Christensen [D-VI, 1997-2014]
In 2009 Christensen was investigated for receiving impermissible travel gifts. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Representative Christensen did not knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts. In 2014, Christensen did not seek reelection.
| Jun. 8, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Representative Christensen did not knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts |
| 2014 | Christensen did not seek reelection. |
Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick [D-MI13, 2003-2010]
In 2009 Kilpatrick was investigated for receiving impermissible travel gifts. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Representative Kilpatrick did not knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts. In 2010, Representative Kilpatrick lost the Democratic primary.
| Jun. 8, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Representative Kilpatrick did not knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts |
| 2010 | Kilpatrick lost the Democratic primary. |
Rep. Donald Payne [D-NJ10, 1989-2012]
In 2009 Payne was investigated for receiving impermissible travel gifts. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Representative Payne did not knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts.
| Jun. 8, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Representative Payne did not knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts |
Rep. Charles “Charlie” Rangel [D-NY13, 2013-2016]
In 2009 Rangel was investigated for receiving impermissible travel gifts. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Rangel did knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts and ordered him to repay them.
| Jun. 8, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Representative Rangel did knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts and ordered him to repay them |
Rep. Bennie Thompson [D-MS2]
In 2009 Thompson was investigated for receiving impermissible travel gifts. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Thompson did not knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts.
| Jun. 8, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded Representative Thompson did not knowingly accept impermissble travel gifts |
Rep. Todd Tiahrt [R-KS4, 1995-2010]
In 2009 Tiahrt was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for legislative outcomes. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges. In 2010, Representative Tiahrt ran for the Senate and lost.
| Dec. 2, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges |
| 2010 | Tiahrt ran for the Senate and lost. |
Rep. Peter Visclosky [D-IN1, 1985-2020]
In 2009 Visclosky was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for legislative outcomes. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges.
| Dec. 2, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges on the OCE's recommendation |
Rep. Norman “Norm” Dicks [D-WA6, 1977-2012]
In 2009 Dicks was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for legislative outcomes. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges. In 2012, Dicks did not seek reelection.
| Dec. 2, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismiss the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges on the OCE's recommendation |
| 2012 | Dicks did not seek reelection. |
Rep. Marcy Kaptur [D-OH9]
In 2009 Kaptur was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for legislative outcomes. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges.
| Dec. 2, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismiss the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges on the OCE's recommendation |
Rep. James “Jim” Moran [D-VA8, 1991-2014]
In 2009 Moran was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for legislative outcomes. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges. In 2014, Representative Moran announced he would not seek reelection.
| Dec. 2, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismiss the allegations |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges on the OCE's recommendation |
| 2014 | Moran announced he would not seek reelection. |
Rep. John Murtha [D-PA12, 1973-2010]
In 2009 Murtha was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for legislative outcomes. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges. On February 8, 2010, Representative Murtha died.
| Dec. 2, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismiss the allegations |
| Feb. 8, 2010 | Representative Murtha died. |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges on the OCE's recommendation |
Rep. W. Bill Young [R-FL13, 2013-2013]
In 2009 Young was investigated for soliciting campaign contributions in exchange for legislative outcomes. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges. On October 18, 2013, Representative Young died.
| Dec. 2, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismiss the above allegations. |
| Feb. 26, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges |
| Oct. 10, 2013 | Representative Young died. |
Rep. Fortney “Pete” Stark [D-CA13, 1993-2012]
In 2009 Stark was investigated for claiming tax credits for a residence which was not his primary residence. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges as Representative Stark neither sought credits improperly nor did he receive them. In 2012, Representative Stark announced his retirement from Congress.
| Nov. 12, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Jan. 28, 2010 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges as Representative Stark neither sought credits improperly nor did he receive them |
| 2012 | Stark announced his retirement from Congress. |
Sen. Roland Burris [D-IL, 2009-2010]
In 2009 Burris received a qualified admonishment for appearing to agree to a quid pro quo with Rod Blagojevich with respect to Blagojevich's brother's campaign and Burris's senate appointment. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics issued a qualified admonishment because while they did not find evidence of crimes, Burris' own comments were misleading with respect to what he promised in exchange for his senate appointment. Senator Burris served in the Senate only 9 months, with Mark Kirk winning the 2010 election.
| Nov. 20, 2009 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics issued a qualified admonishment because while they did not find evidence of crimes, Burris' own comments were misleading with respect to what he promised in exchange for his Senate appointment |
| 2010 | Senator Burris served in the Senate only nine months with Mark Kirk winning the 2010 election. |
Rep. Sam Graves [R-MO6]
In 2009 Graves was investigated for inviting improper hearing witnesses. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges as Representative Graves did not act improperly.
| Aug. 6, 2009 | House Office of Congressional Ethics recommended the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct further review the allegations |
| Oct. 29, 2009 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the charges as Representative Graves did not act improperly |
Sen. Kent Conrad [D-ND, 1992-2012]
In 2009 Conrad was investigated for receiving mortgages from Countrywide Financial in violation of Senate gift rules. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics dismssed the charges because the loans were not part of a program specifically benefiting senators. In 2012, Conrad did not run for reelection.
| Aug. 7, 2009 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics dismssed the charges because the loans were not part of a program specifically benefiting senators |
| 2012 | Conrad did not run for reelection. |
Sen. Christopher Dodd [D-CT, 1981-2010]
In 2009 Dodd was investigated for receiving mortgages from Countrywide Financial in violation of Senate gift rules. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics dismssed the charges because the loans were not part of a program specifically benefiting senators. In 2010, Senator Dodd did not run for reelection.
| Aug. 7, 2009 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics dismssed the charges because the loans were not part of a program specifically benefiting senators |
| 2010 | Dodd did not run for reelection. |
Rep. Tim Mahoney [D-FL16, 2007-2008]
In Oct. 2008 Rep. Mahoney was accused of paying off an ex-staffer to head off a sexual harassment lawsuit. The next month he lost the election.
| Oct. 13, 2008 | ABC News reported that Mahoney had paid an ex-staffer to head off a sexual harassment lawsuit. |
| Nov. 4, 2008 | Defeated in election. |
Rep. Rick Renzi [R-AZ1, 2003-2008]
In 2013 Renzi was convicted for allegations of personal gain in a land swap deal. The House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct deferred to the Department of Justice. Representative Renzi did not run for reelection in 2008 and in 2013 Renzi was convicted and was sentenced to serve three years in prison. On January 20,2021, Renzi was pardoned by President Trump.
| May. 22, 2008 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct deferred to the Department of Justice |
| 2008 | Renzi did not run for reelection. |
| Jan. 3, 2009 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct reported that the end of Renzi's term ended the committee's jurisdiction. |
| 2013 | Renzi was convicted and was sentenced to serve three years in prison. |
| Jan. 20, 2021 | Pardoned by President Trump. |
Sen. David Vitter [R-LA, 2005-2016]
In 2008 Vitter was investigated for hiring prostitutes. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics dismissed the charges because the solicitation happened before his Senate term, did not involve public funds and did not result in criminal charges. In 2014, Senator Vitter lost the election for Louisiana Governor and did not run again for the Senate.
Sen. Pete Domenici [R-NM, 1973-2008]
In 2008 Domenici received a qualified admonishment for attempting to influence a federal investigation. Senate Select Committee on Ethics issued a qualified admonishment because while they found no evidence of wrongdoing, the senator should have known how it would look. In 2007, Senator Domenici announced he would retire from the Senate in 2008 at the end of his term.
Sen. Larry Craig [R-ID, 1991-2008]
In 2007 Craig pleaded guilty to using his status to receive special treatment and using campaign funds to pay legal expenses stemming from an arrest and guilty plea on disorderly conduct at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport (also in 2007). The Senate Select Committee on Ethics admonished the senator on both counts. He retired at the end of his term in 2008 and as of 2016 has been ordered to personally pay for legal fees incurred that had previously been paid with campaign funds.
| 2007 | Senator Craig was arrested for lewd conduct pleaded to disorderly conduct and subsequently attempted to withdraw his guilty plea. He retired at the end of his term in 2008 and as of 2016 has been ordered to personally pay for legal fees incurred that had previously been paid with campaign funds. |
| Feb. 13, 2008 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics admonished the senator on both counts |
Sen. Ted Stevens [R-AK, 1968-2008]
In 2008 Stevens was convicted of making false statements. Prior to sentencing in 2009, the indictment was dismissed. Stevens lost the 2008 election and died in 2010.
| 2008 | Stevens was convicted and lost reelection. |
| 2009 | Prior to sentencing in 2009, the indictment was dismissed. |
| 2010 | Stevens died. |
Rep. Mark Foley [R-FL16, 1995-2006]
In 2006, Foley faced allegations of sexual abuse of underage Congressional pages. In light of Speaker Hastert's plan to expel him if he remained, Foley resigned on Sept. 29, 2006. In 2008, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement closed a criminal investigation without filing charges due to insufficient evidence.
| Sep. 29, 2006 | ABC News reported that in 2005 Foley had sent sexually explicit messages to underage Congressional pages. |
| Sep. 29, 2006 | Speaker Hastert threatened to expel Foley if he did not resign. |
| Sep. 29, 2006 | Resigned. |
| Sep. 19, 2008 | The Florida Department of Law Enforcement closed a criminal investigation of Foley without filing charges due to insufficient evidence. The allegations were that he used government computers to engage in illegal activities such as sexually explicit texting with minors. |
Rep. Robert “Bob” Ney [R-OH18, 1995-2006]
Ney faced an allegation of involvement in the Jack Abramoff influence-peddling investigation. On Aug. 14, 2006, he withdrew from election. On Oct. 3, 2006, he pleaded guilty. On Nov. 3, 2006, he resigned.
| Aug. 14, 2006 | Withdrew from election. |
| Oct. 3, 2006 | Pleaded guilty. |
| Nov. 3, 2006 | Resigned. |
Rep. Randall “Duke” Cunningham [R-CA50, 2003-2005]
Cunningham faced an allegation of tax evasion, conspiracy to commit bribery, mail fraud and wire fraud. On Jul. 14, 2005, he announced he would not run for re-election. On Nov. 28, 2005, he pleaded guilty. On Nov. 28, 2005, he resigned. On January 20, 2021, Cunningham was pardoned by President Trump.
| Jul. 14, 2005 | Announced he would not run for re-election. |
| Nov. 28, 2005 | Pleaded guilty. |
| Nov. 28, 2005 | Resigned. |
| Jan. 20, 2021 | Pardoned by President Trump. |
Rep. Jim McDermott [D-WA7, 1989-2016]
On Dec. 28, 2004, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated McDermott for improperly disclosing the contents of an intercepted cell-phone conversation to the news media and established investigative subcommittee. On Dec. 8, 2006, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded that McDermott’s conduct was inconsistent with the spirit of the applicable rules..
| Dec. 28, 2004 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct established investigative subcommittee |
| Dec. 19, 2006 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded that McDermott’s conduct was inconsistent with the spirit of the applicable rules |
Rep. Chris Bell [D-TX25, 2003-2004]
On Nov. 18, 2004, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Bell for filing a complaint against DeLay which contained innuendo, speculative assertions, or conclusory statements in violation of Committee Rule 15(a)(4) and resolved the matter by a public letter. In 2004, Bell lost in the primary election.
| Nov. 2, 2004 | Bell lost in the primary election. |
| Nov. 18, 2004 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct resolved the matter by a public letter |
Rep. Karen McCarthy [D-MO5, 1995-2004]
On Nov. 18, 2004, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated McCarthy for conversion of campaign funds to personal use and issued a public statement finding McCarthy to be at fault, but did not pursue further when she resigned. In 2004, McCarthy did not seek reelection after acknowledging that she had untreated alcoholism.
| Nov. 18, 2004 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued a public statement finding McCarthy to be at fault, but did not pursue further when she resigned |
| 2004 | McCarthy did not seek reelection after acknowledging that she had untreated alcoholism. |
Rep. Thomas “Tom” DeLay [R-TX22, 1985-2006]
On Oct. 6, 2004, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated DeLay for solicitation and receipt of campaign contributions in return for legislative assistance, use of corporate political contributions in violation of state law, and improper use of official resources for political purposes. They resolved the first and third allegations by public letter and the second allegation was deferred due to astate grand jury investigation. In 2005, he was convicted of conspiring to influence Texas legislative races via a PAC using illegal corporate contributions. In 2013, his conviction overturned.
Rep. Thomas “Tom” DeLay [R-TX22, 1985-2006]
On Oct. 4, 2004, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated DeLay for improperly linking the personal interest of a member with an effort to achieve a legislative goal and issued a report finding DeLay's behavior inappropriate.
| Oct. 4, 2004 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued a report finding DeLay's behavior inappropriate |
Rep. Candice Miller [R-MI10, 2003-2016]
On Oct. 4, 2004, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Miller for threatening to retaliate against a member for a particular vote and issued a report finding Miller's behavior inappropriate.
| Oct. 4, 2004 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued a report finding Miller's behavior inappropriate |
Rep. Nick Smith [R-MI7, 1993-2004]
On Oct. 4, 2004, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Smith for public statements impugning the reputation of the House and failing to cooperate with the investigation. They issued a report finding Smith's behavior inappropriate.
| Oct. 4, 2004 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued a report finding Smith's behavior inappropriate |
Rep. William “Bill” Janklow [R-SD, 2003-2004]
Janklow faced an allegation of, on August 16, 2003, committing vehicular manslaughter. On Dec. 8, 2003, convicted. On Jan. 20, 2004, he resigned.
| Dec. 8, 2003 | Convicted. |
| Jan. 20, 2004 | Resigned. |
Sen. Robert Torricelli [D-NJ, 1997-2002]
On Jul. 30, 2002, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics investigated Torricelli for violating Senate gift rules and creating the appearance of impropriety and admonished him for creating the appearance of impropriety. In 2002, he did not run for reelection.
| Jul. 30, 2002 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics admonished him for creating the appearance of impropriety |
| 2002 | He did not run for reelection. |
Rep. James Traficant [D-OH17, 1985-2002]
On Jul. 18, 2002, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Traficant for conspiracy to violate federal bribery and gratuity statutes, receipt of illegal gratuities, obstruction of justice, defrauding the government, racketeering, and tax evasion for which he was convicted. The committee unanimously recommended expulsion. On Jul. 24, 2002, the House of Representatives expelled Trafficant, 420-1.
| Jul. 18, 2002 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct unanimously recommended expulsion |
| Jul. 24, 2002 | House of Representatives expelled Trafficant, 420-1 |
Rep. Stephen “Steve” Buyer [R-IN4, 2003-2010]
On Aug. 1, 2001, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Buyer for improper use of official resources for political purpose and dismissed the complaint unanimously. A public letter was sent to Buyer.
| Aug. 1, 2001 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed complaint unanimously and public letter sent to Buyer |
Rep. Earl Hilliard [D-AL7, 1993-2002]
On Jun. 20, 2001, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Hilliard for improper loans made by his campaign committee, improper campaign expenditures, and improper financial disclosure; and issued a unanimously adopted letter of reproval citing serious official misconduct. In 2002, he was defeated in the primary.
| Jun. 20, 2001 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued letter of reproval citing “serious official misconduct” unanimously adopted |
| 2002 | Defeated in the primary in June 2002. |
Rep. Elmer “Bud” Shuster [R-PA9, 1973-2001]
On Oct. 4, 2000, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Shuster for a relationship with a lobbyist (former chief of staff) and intervention with federal agencies on behalf of a constituent; and issued a unanimously adopted letter of reproval citing serious official misconduct.
| Oct. 4, 2000 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued a unanimously adopted letter of reproval citing serious official misconduct |
Rep. Corrine Brown [D-FL5, 2013-2016]
On Sep. 21, 2000, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Brown for a gift of lodging provided at premises owned or controlled by an imprisoned foreign national and a gift of an automobile to Brown’s adult daughter in 1997. The committe established an investigative subcommittee on June 9, 1999, the subcommittee recommended no further action and the full committee accepted the recommendation on Sept. 20, 2000. A press statement was released on Sept. 21, 2000.
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
In 1998, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gingrich for violation of laws governing tax-exempt organizations, improper intervention with government agencies, receipt of improper personal benefits from a PAC and violation of campaign finance rules.
Rep. Jay Kim [R-CA41, 1993-1998]
On Oct. 6, 1998, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Kim for accepting illegal corporate and foreign contributions and adopted a six count statement of alleged violations. On Aug. 11, 1997, he pleaded guilty in federal court. On Jun. 2, 1998, he was defeated in the primary.
Rep. Thomas “Tom” DeLay [R-TX22, 1985-2006]
In 1997, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated DeLay for improperly linking campaign contributions to official actions and improper political favors for DeLay’s brother, a registered lobbyist, and dismissed complaint. On Nov. 11, 1997, a private letter was sent to DeLay and a press statement released.
| Nov. 7, 1997 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed complaint; private letter sent to DeLay; press statement released |
Rep. Wes Cooley [R-OR2, 1995-1996]
Cooley faced an allegation of lying to voters about his military service in official state voter guides. On Mar. 19, 1997, he was convicted, ordered to pay a fine, and placed on two years' probation. On Aug. 7, 1996, he did not run for re-election.
| Mar. 19, 1997 | Convicted, ordered to pay a fine, and placed on two years' probation. |
| Aug. 7, 1996 | Did not run for re-election. |
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
On Jan. 17, 1997, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gingrich for improper use of official resources in preparation of a college course, conflict of interest, and improper use of tax-exempt entities in support of college course. The investigation was expanded to 1) false statements to the Committee on Standards, 2) his relationship with the foundation/course in violation of foundation’s tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the IRS Code, 3) his use of unofficial resources for official purposes, and 4) his activities and relationship with another foundation. The committee investigated and dismissed the first two allegations (Gingrich made restitution to pay for the use of the official resources). On Jan. 21, 1997, the House of Representatives reprimanded Gingrich and directed him to reimburse $300,000, 395-28.
| Jan. 17, 1997 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated and dismissed the first two allegations (Gingrich made restitution to pay for the use of the official resources); initiated a preliminary inquiry regarding the third allegation and hired a Special Counsel (Dec. 6, 1995); recommended reprimand and reimbursement of $300,000 to House for investigative expenses, 7-1; filed its report on Jan. 17, 1997 acting as Select committee on Ethics |
| Jan. 21, 1997 | House of Representatives reprimanded and directed to reimburse $300,000, 395-28 |
Rep. Barbara-Rose Collins [D-MI15, 1993-1996]
On Jan. 2, 1997, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Rose-Collins for misuse of official resources, campaign resources, and scholarship funds. On Sept. 12, 1996 11-count statement of alleged violation was adopted, but the subcommittee recommended that no further action be taken due to pending loss of jurisdiction since Rose-Collins was defeated in the August primary.
Rep. Richard “Dick” Gephardt [D-MO3, 1977-2004]
On Sep. 28, 1997, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gephardt for inadequate financial disclosure on a series of land sales and financial agreements regarding property purchased and exchanged in North Carolina. The committee dismissed the complaint.
| Sep. 28, 1997 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed complaint |
Rep. Jim McDermott [D-WA7, 1989-2016]
On Jul. 24, 1996, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated McDermott for conflict of interest (he participated in committee deliberations involving complaints filed with the substantial assistance of a person affiliated with his political action committee) and violation of committee confidentiality rules. The committee dismissed the complaint.
| Jul. 24, 1996 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed complaint |
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
In 1996, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gringrich for improper use of services of volunteer in congressional office via a complaint known as the Third Miller Complaint. The charges were dismissed on Sep. 19, 1996.
| Sep. 19, 1996 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct member complaint filed on behalf of outside organization (Apr. 22, 1996) (“Third Miller Complaint”); dismissed the complaint |
Rep. Gerald Solomon [R-NY22, 1993-1998]
In 1996, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Solomon for a press release and letter sent to a New York state assemblyman which included language that implied possible retaliation for political disagreement. On May. 8, 1996, the complaint was dismissed after Solomon indicated he had not retaliated and had never intended to retaliate.
| May. 8, 1996 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the complaint after Solomon indicated he had not retaliated and had never intended to retaliate |
Rep. David Bonior [D-MI10, 1993-2002]
On May. 9, 1996, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Bonior for improper use of congressional employees with regard to a book published by Bonior in 1984 and improper salary payments to member of staff prior to her marriage to him. On May. 8, 1996, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the second complaint. On May. 9, 1996, the committee returned the first complaint because the alleged violations occurred before the third previous Congress.
| May. 8, 1996 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed second complaint |
| May. 9, 1996 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct returned complaint because violations occurred before the third previous Congress |
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
On Mar. 29, 1996, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gingrich for the improper use of the services of a volunteer in congressional offices and concluded that the volunteer service, which had terminated by the time of the complaint, did not comply with the applicable guidelines.
| Mar. 29, 1996 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct concluded that the volunteer service, which had terminated by the time of the complaint, did not comply with the applicable guidelines |
Sen. Robert Torricelli [D-NJ, 1997-2002]
In 1996, in an accusation made by Rep. Thomas, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Torricelli for using a congressional fax machine to send a press release having a political purpose against his campaign rival Zimmer. On Mar. 29, 1996, the committee determined use of the fax machine violated applicable rules on use of official resources and Torricelli reimbursed the use of the fax. On Nov. 5, 1996, Zimmer lost his bid for a New Jersey Senate seat to Torricelli.
Rep. Richard Zimmer [R-NJ12, 1991-1996]
In 1996, based on an accusation made by Torricelli, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Zimmer for using a congressional fax machine for a non-official purpose, specifically to send a press release entitled "Zimmer Wallops Torricelli in N.J. Congressional Softball Tourney" which was alleged to be a personal attack and therefore a violation of usage rules. The complaint was returned on Jan. 5, 1996 for failing to meet standards of committee procedures and subsequently re-submitted. The complaint was dismissed on March 29, 1996 for lack of merit. On Nov. 5, 1996, Zimmer lost his bid for a New Jersey Senate seat to Torricelli.
Rep. David McIntosh [R-IN2, 1995-2000]
On Mar. 14, 1996, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated McIntosh for distributing at a committee meeting and displaying on the House floor a document attributed to an outside group that was instead created by his staff and allowing subcommittee staff to improperly question a witness regarding their observance of a religious holiday. The committee sent a letter to McIntosh on March 14, 1996 indicating that forging an outside organization's letterhead for staff-created documents was inappropriate as was any questioning of a witness's religious observances. On Mar. 14, 1996, McIntosh apologized and formalized a written policy for his staff regarding harassing, insensitive or discriminatory behavior. The committee voted not to make letter public, 5-4 on March 20, 1996.
Rep. Walter Tucker [D-CA37, 1993-1995]
Tucker faced an allegation of seven counts of extortion and two counts of tax evasion for extorting $30,000 from a local businessman while he was mayor of Compton, CA and failing to report payments on his taxes, for which he was convicted on Dec. 8, 1995. On Dec. 12, 1995, Sensenbrenner announced his intention to bring a resolution of expulsion to the floor of the House of Representatives See Congressional Record. On the same day, Tucker announced his resignation effective Dec. 15, 1995.
| Dec. 12, 1995 | House of Representatives a colleague announced plans to introduce an expulsion resolution |
| Dec. 12, 1995 | Announced resignation effective Dec. 15, 1995. |
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
In 1995, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gingrich for improper statements on House floor for political reasons and using official resource for political purposes. The complaints were dismissed in a public letter on Dec. 6, 1995 and a public report issued on Dec. 12, 1995.
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
In 1995, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gingrich for accepting free cable television coverage of college lectures as improper gifts/solicitation. The complaint was dismissed in a public letter on Dec. 6, 1995 and a public report issued on Dec. 12, 1995.
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
In 1995, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gingrich for improperly using the services of a volunteer for official purposes in a complaint known as the First Miller Complaint. The committee found violations and sent a public letter to Gingrich and took no further action on Dec. 6, 1995. The committee published its report on Dec. 12, 1995.
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
In 1995, Gingrich faced the allegations in “First Jones Complaint” plus improper receipt of book royalties for To Renew America, improper book auction, conflict of interest, improper solicitation, improper use of official resources, and improper intervention with federal authorities. On Dec. 6, 1995, the complaint was dismissed. On Dec. 22, 1995, the House of Representatives adopted the committee resolution on restricting advances from book contracts but not subjecting royalty income to outside earned income limit, 259-128.
| Dec. 6, 1995 | Complaint dismissed. |
| Dec. 12, 1995 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended changes regarding book contracts |
| Dec. 22, 1995 | House of Representatives adopted the committee resolution on restricting advances from book contracts but not subjecting royalty income to outside earned income limit, 259-128 |
Sen. Robert Packwood [R-OR, 1969-1995]
On Sep. 5, 1995, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics investigated Packwood for sexual misconduct and abuse of power and recommended expulsion from the Senate. On Sep. 8, 1995, he resigned.
| Sep. 5, 1995 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics recommended expulsion from the Senate |
| Sep. 8, 1995 | Resigned. |
Rep. Charles Wilson [D-TX2, 1973-1996]
Wilson faced an allegation of improper use of campaign funds and inadequate financial disclosure. On Aug. 25, 1995, the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) transmitted information to the committee on Standards developed during an investigation On Dec. 7, 1995, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the complaint and issued a letter released publicly after Wilson admitted his error and paid a $90,000 fine.
Rep. Mel Reynolds [D-IL2, 1993-1995]
On Jun. 28, 1995, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Reynolds for misuse of congressional staff for personal purposes, misuse of official resources, failure to repay personal debts and obstruction of justice. He was later convicted in state court of criminal sexual assault, aggravated sexual abuse, solicitation of child pornography and obstruction of justice on Aug. 22, 1995. On Sep. 1, 1995, he resigned. On Sep. 28, 2017, the U.S. District Court convicted him on four misdemeanor counts alleging he failed to file a federal income tax return for four consecutive years.
Rep. Richard Armey [R-TX26, 1985-2002]
In 1995, Armey faced an allegation of improper use of congressional stationery. On Jun. 2, 1995, Guitierrez filed a complaint on behalf of the Congressional Accountability Project. Armey admitted to the violation and the complaint was dismissed on June 13, 1995. A public letter to Armey and a press statement were released on June 14, 1995.
Rep. Jonas “Martin” Frost [D-TX24, 1979-2004]
In 1994, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Frost for using congressional staff for redistricting work and campaign contributions by congressional staff. On Nov. 29, 1994, the complaint was dismissed and a public letter was released indicating that the committee found a technical violation of campaign regulations. Frost agreed to appropriate reimbursement.
Sen. David Durenberger [R-MN, 1978-1994]
Durenberger faced an allegation of misuse of public funds while in office. On Aug. 22, 1995, he pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor charges of abuse of a Congressional expense account.
| Aug. 22, 1995 | Pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor charges of abuse of a Congressional expense account. |
Rep. Daniel Rostenkowski [D-IL5, 1993-1994]
Rostenkowski faced allegations of mail fraud, wire fraud, witness tampering, concealing a material fact, false statements, embezzlement, and conspiracy, for which he was indicted. On Jun. 30, 1994, member complaint was filed. On Aug. 17, 1994, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct deferred action at request of U.S. Attorney On Nov. 8, 1994, he defeated for reelection. On Apr. 10, 1996, he pleaded guilty to mail fraud. On Dec. 23, 2000, he was pardoned by President Clinton having already served 15 months in prison and two months in a halfway house in addition to paying a $100,000 fine.
| Jun. 30, 1994 | Complaint filed. |
| Aug. 17, 1994 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct deferred action at request of U.S. Attorney |
| Nov. 8, 1994 | Defeated for reelection. |
| Apr. 10, 1996 | Pleaded guilty to mail fraud. |
| Dec. 23, 2000 | Pardoned by President Clinton having already served 15 months in prison and two months in a halfway house in addition to paying a $100,000 fine. |
Rep. Joseph Kolter [D-PA4, 1983-1992]
Kolter faced an allegation of stealing money from the House Post Office. On May. 8, 1996, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with the former House postmaster and others to steal from the office.
| May. 8, 1996 | Pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring with the former House postmaster and others to steal from the office. |
Sen. Kay Hutchison [R-TX, 1993-2012]
Kay Bailey Hutchison faced an allegation of using state employees and time to conduct political and personal business while Texas State Treasurer. On Feb. 12, 1994, acquitted on all charges in state court after prosecuters refused to present their case against Hutchison due to concerns over admissability of evidence.
| Feb. 12, 1994 | Acquitted on all charges in state court after prosecuters refused to present their case against Hutchison due to concerns over admissability of evidence. |
Rep. Walter Fauntroy [D-DC, 1971-1990]
Fauntroy faced an allegation of stealing from the House Bank. On Mar. 25, 1995, he pleaded guilty to one count of violating the false statements statute regarding a charitable contribution.
| Mar. 25, 1995 | Pleaded guilty to one count of violating the false statements statute regarding a charitable contribution. |
Rep. Albert Bustamante [D-TX23, 1985-1992]
Bustamante faced an allegation of racketeering and bribery. On Jul. 22, 1993, he was convicted. In 1992, he lost his bid for re-election.
| 1992 | Lost bid for re-election. |
| Jul. 22, 1993 | Convicted. |
Rep. Nicholas Mavroules [D-MA6, 1979-1992]
Mavroules faced an allegation of accepting illegal gifts and misusing his office for private gain. On Apr. 3, 1993, he pleaded guilty and served 15 months in prison. In 1992, he lost the election.
| 1992 | Lost the election. |
| Apr. 3, 1993 | Pleaded guilty and 15 months in prison. |
Sen. Brockman “Brock” Adams [D-WA, 1987-1992]
In 1992, Adams was accused of rape and sexual harassment and quit his Senate race as a result.
| Mar. 2, 1992 | Quit election race. |
Rep. Carl Christopher Perkins [D-KY7, 1983-1992]
Perkins faced an allegation of bank fraud and lying to investigators. On Dec. 13, 1994, he pleaded guilty. In 1992, perkins' district, the Kentucky 7th was eliminated by redistricting and Perkins did not seek re-election in the newly created 5th district in 1992.
| 1992 | Perkins' district, the Kentucky 7th was eliminated by redistricting and Perkins did not seek re-election in the newly created 5th district in 1992. |
| Dec. 13, 1994 | Pleaded guilty. |
Rep. Carroll Hubbard [D-KY1, 1975-1992]
Hubbard faced an allegation of obstruction of justice and misappropriation of campaign funds involving the House Bank. On Apr. 6, 1994, he pleaded guilty. In 1992, he lost the election.
| 1992 | Lost the election. |
| Apr. 6, 1994 | Pleaded guilty. |
Rep. Mary Oakar [D-OH20, 1977-1992]
Oakar faced an allegation of lying to the FBI, using the House Bank to convert public money to her own use. On Sep. 30, 1997, she pleaded guitly to two misdemeanors. In 1992, she was not re-elected.
| 1992 | Was not re-elected. |
| Sep. 30, 1997 | Pleaded guitly to two misdemeanors. |
Rep. Royden Dyson [D-MD1, 1981-1990]
On Jan. 31, 1990, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed allegations against Dyson for misuse of office funds and sex discrimination in hiring, having previously declined to consider the allegations when they were first lodged due to the proximity to election day in 1988.
Rep. Gerald Sikorski [D-MN6, 1983-1992]
In 1990, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Sikorksi for misuse of staff for personal errands and on Jan. 31, 1990 the complaint was dismissed.
| Jan. 31, 1990 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the complaint |
Sen. Alan Cranston [D-CA, 1969-1992]
In 1989, Sen. Cranston improperly intervened with federal banking regulators on behalf of Charles Keating, Jr., a campaign donor, and his savings and loan business. Because Keating's campaign contributions came so close in time to Cranston's actions, he was reprimanded by the Senate Select Committee on Ethics. An odd aspect of Cranston's "punishment" was that he was allowed to rebut his reprimand on the floor of the Senate. To his colleagues' displeasure, he declared that if he was guilty of wrongdoing, then so was the entire Senate. He did not run for re-election in 1992.
| 1991 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics issued a reprimand on behalf of and in front of the full U.S. Senate, but no formal action was taken by the full Senate |
| Nov. 20, 1991 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report on the investigation of Sen. Cranston (Senate Select Comm. on Ethics, Investigation of Sen. Alan Cranston, S. Rep. 102-223, 102d Cong., 1st Sess. (1991)) |
| 1992 | Did not run for re-election. |
Sen. Dennis DeConcini [D-AZ, 1977-1994]
In 1989, Sen. DeConcini was accused of improperly intervening with federal banking regulators on behalf of Charles Keating, Jr. and his savings and loan business. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report in which DeConcini was criticized for giving the appearance of impropriety, but not punished because he had not violated any Senate rules.
| Nov. 20, 1991 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report in which DeConcini was critized for giving the appearance of impropriety, but not punished because he had not violated any Senate rules (Senate Select Comm. on Ethics, Investigation of Sen. Alan Cranston, S. Rep. 102-223, 102d Cong., 1st Sess. (1991)) |
| 1994 | DeConcini did not seek re-election. |
Sen. Donald Riegle [D-MI, 1977-1994]
In 1989, Sen. Riegle was accused of improperly intervening with federal banking regulators on behalf of Charles Keating, Jr. and his savings and loan business. The Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report in which Riegle was criticized for giving the appearance of impropriety, but not punished because he had not violated any Senate rules.
| Nov. 20, 1991 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report in which Riegle was critized for giving the appearance of impropriety, but not punished because he had not violated any Senate rules (Senate Select Comm. on Ethics, Investigation of Sen. Alan Cranston, S. Rep. 102-223, 102d Cong., 1st Sess. (1991)) |
| 1994 | Riegle did not seek re-election. |
Sen. John Glenn [D-OH, 1974-1998]
In 1989, Sen. Glenn was accused of improperly intervening with federal banking regulators on behalf of Charles Keating, Jr. and his savings and loan business. In 1991, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report in which charges were dismissed.
| Nov. 20, 1991 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report in which charges were dismissed (Senate Select Comm. on Ethics, Investigation of Sen. Alan Cranston, S. Rep. 102-223, 102d Cong., 1st Sess. (1991)) |
Sen. John McCain [R-AZ, 1987-2018]
In 1989, Sen. McCain was accused of improperly intervening with federal banking regulators on behalf of Charles Keating, Jr. and his savings and loan business. In 1991, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report in which charges were dismissed even though they did indicate that McCain had demonstrated poor judgement in attending a meeting with federal regulators on Keating's behalf. McCain remained in the Senate until his death in 2018. In the intervening years, he testified against Keating (the only one of the five to do so) in a civil trial and became an advocate of campaign finance reform.
| Nov. 20, 1991 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics published a report in which charges were dismissed (Senate Select Comm. on Ethics, Investigation of Sen. Alan Cranston, S. Rep. 102-223, 102d Cong., 1st Sess. (1991)) |
Rep. Donald Lukens [R-OH8, 1987-1990]
Lukens faced an allegation of contributing to the unruliness of a female minor, e.g. sex with an underage girl on May 26, 1989, for which he was convicted as a misdemeanor; and of improper sexual advances to a Capitol elevator operator on Oct. 17, 1990. On Oct. 4, 1990, he resigned. On Oct. 24, 1990, the preliminary inquiry resolution was amended to include the assertion of additional charges from Oct. 22, 1990. The staff report was published on Oct. 24, 1990.
| Oct. 24, 1990 | Preliminary inquiry resolution amended to include assertion of additional charges on Oct. 22, 1990; staff report published on Oct. 24, 1990. |
| Oct. 4, 1990 | Resigned. |
Sen. David Durenberger [R-MN, 1978-1994]
Durenberger faced an allegation of a wide range of financial misconduct. On Jul. 25, 1990, the Senate voted to denounce him 96-0, which appears to have been intended as a type of censure which acknowledges no ill intent.
| Jul. 25, 1990 | Senate voted 96-0 to denounce, which appears to have been intended as a type of censure which acknowledges no ill intent. |
Rep. Patrick Swindall [R-GA4, 1985-1988]
Swindall faced an allegation of money laundering and lying to the FBI. In 1989, he was convicted. On Feb. 12, 1994, started serving a one year prison sentence in a minimum-security federal prison after remaining free on bond while his appeals were active.
| 1989 | Convicted. |
| Feb. 12, 1994 | Started serving a one year prison sentence in a minimum-security federal prison after remaining free on bond while his appeals were active. |
Rep. Barney Frank [D-MA4, 1981-2012]
Frank faced an allegation of 1) use of personal residence for prostitution by third parties, 2) improper contacts with probation office on behalf of personal assistant, 3) improper dismissal of assistant’s parking tickets, and 4) sexual activity in the House gymnasium. Frank admitted preparing a memo containing misleading statements that could be perceived as an attempt to use political influence in a judicial matter and arranging improper dismissal of parking tickets for personal assistant. The committee recommended reprimand and restitution of parking tickets, 12-0 on July 20, 1990. On Jul. 26, 1990, he was reprimanded, 408-18.
| Jul. 20, 1990 | Preliminary inquiry voted (Sept. 12, 1989); Frank admitted preparing memo containing misleading statements that could be perceived as an attempt to use political influence in a judicial matter and arranged improper dismissal of parking tickets for personal assistant, both in violation of R. 43 (1); committee recommended reprimand and restitution of parking tickets, 12-0 (July 20, 1990). |
| Jul. 26, 1990 | House of Representatives Reprimanded, 408-18 |
Rep. Newton Gingrich [R-GA6, 1979-1998]
In 1990, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Gringrich for using book partnership to avoid outside income limits or to obtain impermissible gifts or contributions, improper use of official resources to prepare book, and inadequate financial disclosure. The committee issued a statement on Mar. 8, 1990.
| Mar. 8, 1990 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued statement, 11-0 |
Rep. Gus Savage [D-IL2, 1981-1992]
Savage faced an allegation of improper sexual advances toward a female Peace Corps volunteer in March 1989. On Nov. 20, 1989, Savage apologized. On Jan. 31, 1990, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued a public report disapproving of his conduct, 12-0.
| Nov. 20, 1989 | Savage apologized. |
| Jan. 31, 1990 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issued a public report disapproving of his conduct, 12-0 |
Rep. Robert Garcia [D-NY18, 1983-1990]
In 1989, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Garcia for conspiracy and Travel Act violations (receipt of $170,000 in payments, loans, and a diamond necklace from a defense contractor), for which Garcia and his wife were convicted on Oct. 20, 1989, four counts of bribery and receipt of illegal gratuities, for which he was acquitted. On Jan. 7, 1990, he resigned.
| Oct. 31, 1989 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct preliminary inquiry voted |
| Jan. 7, 1990 | Resigned. |
Rep. Jim Bates [D-CA44, 1983-1990]
In 1989, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Bates for sexual harassment and improper campaign activity in congressional office. On Oct. 18, 1989, the committee adopted a public letter of reproval. In 1989, he admitted to violations and wrote personal letter of apology.
| Oct. 18, 1989 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct adopted a public letter of reproval |
| 1989 | Admitted to violations and wrote personal letter of apology. |
Rep. James Claude Wright [D-TX12, 1955-1989]
In 1989, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Wright for improper lobbying efforts on behalf of a constituent with whom Wright had an interest in a private gas well, 2) intervention in a matter before the Department of the Interior on behalf of Texas Oil and Gas Company, 3) improper use of campaign funds to pay for publication of a book for which Wright received a 55% royalty (Reflections of a Public Man), 4) improper use of government resources on the book, 5) improper use of a condominium in Fort Worth, TX (free and below market housing from real estate developer George Mallick) and 6) exercise of undue influence with officials of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board on behalf of four Texas businessmen regarding the savings and loan crisis. On Apr. 17, 1989, the committee made the report of Special Outside Counsel public. On Jun. 30, 1989, rep. Wright resigned as Speaker on House floor after having announced his intent to do so in May.
| Apr. 17, 1989 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct made the report of Special Outside Counsel public |
| Jun. 30, 1989 | Wright resigned as Speaker on House floor after having announced his intent to do so in May. |
Rep. Mario Biaggi [D-NY19, 1983-1988]
In 1988, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Biaggi for accepting illegal gratuities, obstruction of justice and violation of the Travel Act on Sept. 22, 1987 because he accepted free vacations in exchange for using influence, for which he was convicted. On Feb. 17, 1988 the committee recommended expulsion, 12-0. On Aug. 5, 1988, he resigned after an additional conviction.
| Feb. 17, 1988 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended expulsion, 12-0 |
| Aug. 5, 1988 | Resigned after an additional conviction. |
Rep. Charles Rose [D-NC7, 1973-1996]
In 1988, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Rose for borrowing campaign funds for personal use and inadequate financial disclosure. On Mar. 23, 1988, the committee adopted a public letter of reproval, 9-3. In 1994, he paid civil fine of $12,500.
| Mar. 23, 1988 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct adopted a public letter of reproval, 9-3 |
| 1994 | Paid civil fine of $12,500. |
Rep. Austin Murphy [D-PA20, 1993-1994]
In 1987, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Murphy for improper use of official resources and violation of House rules regarding voting and recommended reprimand, 11-0. On Dec. 18, 1987, the House of Representatives reprimanded him, 324-68.
| Dec. 16, 1987 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended reprimand, 11-0 |
| Dec. 18, 1987 | House of Representatives reprimanded, 324-68 |
Rep. William Boner [D-TN5, 1979-1987]
On Feb. 5, 1986, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct began investigating Boner for violations of the gift rule, improper use of campaign funds, conflict of interest, and improper use of official resources and preliminary inquiry authorized. On Apr. 23, 1987, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct deferred at DOJ request. On Sep. 23, 1987, Boner was elected mayor of Nashville. On Oct. 5, 1987, he resigned from Congress. On Dec. 14, 1987, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct staff report was published.
| Feb. 5, 1986 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct preliminary inquiry authorized |
| Apr. 23, 1987 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct deferred at DOJ request |
| Sep. 23, 1987 | Boner was elected mayor of Nashville. |
| Oct. 5, 1987 | Resigned from Congress. |
| Dec. 14, 1987 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct staff report published |
Rep. Richard Stallings [D-ID2, 1985-1992]
In 1987, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Stallings for improper use of campaign funds (loan to congressional employee) and on Oct. 15, 1987, adopted a public letter of reproval, 12-0.
| Oct. 15, 1987 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct adopted a public letter of reproval, 12-0 |
Rep. Fernand St. Germain [D-RI1, 1961-1988]
In 1987, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated St. Germain for accepting free flights on corporate aircraft, intervening on behalf of an organization in which he had a financial interest and inadequate financial disclosure and, on Apr. 9, 1987, recommended no sanction.
| Apr. 9, 1987 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no sanction, report approved and filed |
Rep. Mary Oakar [D-OH20, 1977-1992]
In 1987, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Oakar for purchase of a townhouse with a member of her staff and improper salary disbursements to an employee. An informal staff review of press allegations found improper payments but no fraudulent intent. The committee recommended no sanction and on Jun. 17, 1987, letter released publicly.
Rep. James Howard Weaver [D-OR4, 1975-1986]
In 1987, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Weaver for borrowing approximately $82,000 in campaign funds for personal use and inadequate financial disclosure of commodity investment transactions and on Sep. 30, 1986 recommended no sanction.
| Sep. 30, 1986 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended no sanction, report approved and filed, 12-0 |
Rep. David “Mac” Sweeney [R-TX14, 1985-1988]
On Sep. 11, 1986, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Sweeney for use of official resources for political purposes and requiring congressional staff to campaign as a condition of continued employment and determined that the campaign activities occurred in the district office with no evidence Sweeney directed or condoned the improper activities.
Rep. Wilbur “Dan” Daniel [D-VA5, 1969-1988]
In 1986, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Daniel for accepting free flights on corporate aircraft (1983-85) and on Feb. 5, 1986 Daniel made restitution and amended the financial disclosure statement.
| Feb. 5, 1986 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Daniel made restitution and amended the financial disclosure statement |
Rep. Geraldine Ferraro [D-NY9, 1979-1984]
In 1984, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Ferraro for inadequate and improper financial disclosure. The committee found technical violations, but no sanction was recommended and a report was filed on Dec. 4, 1984.
Rep. George Hansen [R-ID2, 1975-1984]
In 1984, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Hansen for making false statements and failing to report nearly $334,000 in loans and profits from 1978-81. On Jun. 20, 1984, the committee recommended reprimand, 11-1. On Jul. 31, 1984, the House of Representatives reprimanded Hansen, 354-52. On Nov. 6, 1984, Hansen was defeated in the election by Richard Stallings. In 1985, the conviction was vacated, U.S. v. Hansen, 906 F. Supp. 688 (1995).
| Jun. 20, 1984 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended reprimand, 11-1 |
| Jul. 31, 1984 | House of Representatives reprimanded, 354-52 |
| Nov. 6, 1984 | Defeated in the election by Richard Stallings. |
| 1985 | Conviction vacated, U.S. v. Hansen, 906 F. Supp. 688 (1995). |
Rep. Charles Wilson [D-TX2, 1973-1996]
In 1983, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Wilson for using cocaine and marijuana and preliminary inquiry voted; Special Counsel investigated and found no basis for statement of alleged violation. On Nov. 17, 1983, the committee took no further action.
Rep. Ronald Dellums [D-CA9, 1993-1998]
In 1983, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Dellums for using cocaine and marijuana and preliminary inquiry voted; Special Counsel investigated and found no basis for statement of alleged violation. On Nov. 17, 1983, the committee took no further action.
Rep. Gerry Studds [D-MA10, 1983-1996]
On Jul. 14, 1983, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Studds for sexual relationship with 17-year old male House page that occurred 10 years earlier in 1973 and recommended reprimand and filed report, 11-1. On Jul. 20, 1983, the House of Representatives rejected the reprimand recommendation, 289-136; censured Studds instead, 420-3.
| Jul. 14, 1983 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended reprimand and filed report, 11-1 |
| Jul. 20, 1983 | House of Representatives rejected the reprimand recommendation, 289-136; censured Studds instead, 420-3 |
Rep. Daniel Crane [R-IL19, 1983-1984]
On Jul. 14, 1983, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Crane for a sexual relationship with a 17-year old female House page in 1980 and recommended reprimand, 11-1. On Jul. 20, 1983, the House of Representatives rejected the reprimand recommendation, 289-136; censured him instead, 421-3. On Nov. 6, 1984, he was defeated in the election.
| Jul. 14, 1983 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended reprimand, 11-1 |
| Jul. 20, 1983 | House of Representatives rejected the reprimand recommendation, 289-136; censured him instead, 421-3 |
| Nov. 6, 1984 | Defeated in the election. |
Rep. Frederick Richmond [D-NY14, 1975-1982]
In 1982, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Richmond for evading federal taxes (pleaded guilty to felony charge), two misdemeanors involving a government contract, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana on Aug. 25, 1982. On May. 12, 1982, the committee deferred its investigation at the request of the Department of Justice. On Aug. 25, 1982, he resigned.
| May. 12, 1982 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct deferred its investigation at the request of the Department of Justice |
| Aug. 25, 1982 | Resigned. |
Rep. John Murtha [D-PA12, 1973-2010]
In 1981, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Murtha for bribery and conspiracy as part of ABSCAM investigation. On Jul. 28, 1981, the charges were dismissed and the Special Counsel resigned.
| Jul. 28, 1981 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct preliminary inquiry voted (May 28, 1981); dismissed (July 28, 1981) and Special Counsel resigned |
Sen. Harrison Williams [D-NJ, 1959-1982]
Williams faced an allegation of bribery connected with the ABSCAM sting. On May. 1, 1981, he was convicted and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics opened an inquiry. On Sep. 3, 1981, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics filed its report. On Mar. 11, 1982, he resigned to avoid an expulsion vote.
| May. 1, 1981 | Convicted. |
| May. 1, 1981 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics opened inquiry |
| Sep. 3, 1981 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics filed report |
| Mar. 11, 1982 | Resigned to avoid an expulsion vote. |
Rep. Jon Hinson [R-MS4, 1979-1982]
In 1981, Hinson was arrested for engaging in sexual activity with a member of the same sex, then illegal in Washington, D.C. On Apr. 13, 1981, he resigned. On May. 28, 1981, he pleaded no contest to charges of "attempted oral sodomy" in a House office building restroom.
| Apr. 13, 1981 | Resigned. |
| May. 28, 1981 | Pleaded no contest to charges of "attempted oral sodomy" in a House office building restroom. |
Rep. Richard Kelly [R-FL5, 1975-1980]
Kelly faced an allegation of bribery and conspiracy in the ABSCAM investigation. On Nov. 4, 1980, he lost the election. On Jan. 26, 1981, he was convicted.
| Nov. 4, 1980 | Lost the election. |
| Jan. 26, 1981 | Convicted. |
Rep. John Michael Murphy [D-NY17, 1973-1980]
Murphy faced an allegation of taking an unlawful gratuity as part of ABSCAM investigation. On Nov. 4, 1980, he lost the election. On Dec. 3, 1980, he was convicted.
| Nov. 4, 1980 | Lost the election. |
| Dec. 3, 1980 | Convicted. |
Rep. Raymond Lederer [D-PA3, 1977-1982]
Lederer resigned April 29, 1981 after the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended expulsion, 10-2, following his conviction on charges of bribery. He was accused of bribery, acceptance of an unlawful gratuity, conspiracy and Travel Act violations.
| Jan. 9, 1981 | Convicted of bribery. |
| Apr. 28, 1981 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended expulsion, 10-2 |
| Apr. 29, 1981 | Resigned. |
| May. 20, 1981 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct filed its report |
Rep. Frank Thompson [D-NJ4, 1955-1980]
Thompson was convicted in 1980 of bribery charges in the ABSCAM investigation.
| Nov. 4, 1980 | Lost the election. |
| 1980 | Convicted of bribery and conspiracy. |
| Dec. 29, 1980 | Resigned. |
Rep. John Jenrette [D-SC6, 1975-1980]
Jenrette was convicted of bribery and conspiracy for accepting money in return for promising to use official influence as part of the ABSCAM investigation.
| October 1980 | Convicted. |
| Nov. 4, 1980 | Lost the election. |
| Dec. 10, 1980 | Resigned. |
| Dec. 16, 1980 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct sanction hearing terminated by resignation and filed the report |
Rep. Michael “Ozzie” Myers [D-PA1, 1975-1980]
Myers was convicted of bribery in 1980 as part of the ABSCAM investigation and on Oct. 2, 1980, the House of Representatives expelled him in a 376-30 vote.
| Aug. 30, 1980 | Convicted of bribery. |
| Sep. 24, 1980 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended expulsion, 10-2 (Sept. 24, 1980) |
| Oct. 2, 1980 | House of Representatives expelled, 376-30 |
Rep. Charles Herbert Wilson [D-CA31, 1963-1980]
On Apr. 24, 1980, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Wilson for accepting money from a person with direct interest in legislation; maintaining a person on payroll not performing duties commensurate with pay; personal use of campaign funds and recommended censure and denial of chairmanship, 10-2. On Jun. 3, 1980, Wilson was defeated in the primary. On Jun. 10, 1980, the House of Representatives agreed to an amendment deleting denial of chairmanship from sanction, 261-148; and censured Wilson by voice vote.
| Apr. 24, 1980 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended censure and denial of chairmanship, 10-2 |
| Jun. 3, 1980 | Defeated in the primary. |
| Jun. 10, 1980 | House of Representatives agreed to an amendment deleting denial of chairmanship from sanction, 261-148; and censured by voice vote |
Rep. Daniel Flood [D-PA11, 1955-1980]
On Dec. 12, 1979, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Flood for using official influence on behalf of private parties and foreign governments in return for unlawful payments and disciplinary hearing deferred due to hospitalization. On Jan. 31, 1980, he resigned. On Feb. 26, 1980, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor of conspiracy to defraud government. On Mar. 26, 1980, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct filed its report.
| Dec. 12, 1979 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct Special Counsel appointed, Investigative subcommittee established (April 19, 1978); statement of alleged violation adopted (June 7, 1979); disciplinary hearing deferred due to hospitalization (Dec. 12, 1979) |
| Jan. 31, 1980 | Resigned. |
| Feb. 26, 1980 | Pleaded guilty to misdemeanor of conspiracy to defraud government. |
| Mar. 26, 1980 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct filed its report |
Sen. Herman Talmadge [D-GA, 1957-1980]
On Oct. 3, 1979, the Senate Select Committee on Ethics investigated Talmadge for financial misconduct and recommended that Talmadge be "denounced" (censured). On Oct. 11, 1979, the Senate censured him. On Nov. 4, 1980, lost the election.
| Oct. 3, 1979 | Senate Select Committee on Ethics recommended that Talmadge be "denounced" (censured) |
| Oct. 11, 1979 | Senate censured |
| Nov. 4, 1980 | Lost the election. |
Rep. Charles Diggs [D-MI13, 1955-1980]
In October 1978, Diggs was convicted of taking kickbacks. He was re-elected the next month, but on July 31, 1979, the House of Representatives censured him in a 414-0 vote and in 1980 he resigned after losing the criminal appeal.
| October 1978 | Convicted on charges that he had taken kickbacks from three of his Congressional employees. |
| Nov. 7, 1978 | Re-elected after conviction. |
| Jul. 31, 1979 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended censure, 11-0 |
| Jul. 31, 1979 | House of Representatives censured, 414-0 |
| Jun. 3, 1980 | Resigned after losing criminal appeal. |
Rep. Joshua Eilberg [D-PA4, 1967-1978]
On Sep. 13, 1978, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Eilberg for conflict of interest by helping a hospital receive a federal grant and conducted inquiry. On Oct. 24, 1978, he was indicted. On Nov. 7, 1978, he lost the election.
| Sep. 13, 1978 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct conducted inquiry |
| Oct. 24, 1978 | Indicted. |
| Nov. 7, 1978 | Lost the election. |
Rep. Charles Herbert Wilson [D-CA31, 1963-1980]
On Sep. 27, 1978, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Wilson for making a false statement on an answer to a Standards Committee questionnaire regarding the Korean Influence Investigation and recommended reprimand, 8-1. On Oct. 13, 1978, the House of Representatives reprimanded him, 329-41.
| Sep. 27, 1978 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct conducted inquiry and recommended reprimand, 8-1 |
| Oct. 13, 1978 | House of Representatives reprimanded, 329-41 |
Rep. John McFall [D-CA14, 1975-1978]
On Oct. 4, 1978, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated McFall for failing to report $3,000 campaign contribution in 1974 and recommended reprimand, 8-2. On Oct. 13, 1978, the House of Representatives reprimanded him by voice vote On Dec. 31, 1978, he resigned.
| Oct. 4, 1978 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct conducted inquiry and recommended reprimand, 8-2 |
| Oct. 13, 1978 | House of Representatives reprimanded, voice vote |
| Dec. 31, 1978 | Resigned. |
Rep. Edward Roybal [D-CA25, 1975-1992]
On Sep. 27, 1978, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Roybal for failing to report campaign contributions, converting campaign funds to personal use, and making a false statement to the Standards committee and recommended censure. On Oct. 13, 1978, the House of Representatives rejected the censure recommendation, 219-170; but reprimanded him by voice vote.
| Sep. 27, 1978 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct conducted inquiry and recommended censure |
| Oct. 13, 1978 | House of Representatives rejected the censure recommendation, 219-170; reprimanded, voice vote |
Rep. Edward Patten [D-NJ15, 1963-1980]
On Oct. 4, 1978, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Patten for making political contributions with funds provided by another; conducted an inquiry; and dismissed the charges, 8-0.
| Oct. 4, 1978 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct conducted inquiry and dismissed the charges, 8-0 |
Rep. Andrew Hinshaw [R-CA40, 1975-1976]
On Jan. 26, 1976, Hinshaw was convicted of state bribery charges for conduct prior to election but the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended against expulsion due to lack of jurisdiction for actions committed prior to service in House, 10-2.
| Jan. 26, 1976 | Convicted of bribery. |
| Jun. 8, 1976 | Lost the primary. |
| Sep. 1, 1976 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended against expulsion due to lack of jurisdiction for actions committed prior to service in House, 10-2 |
| Oct. 1, 1976 | House of Representatives expulsion resolution was tabled |
Rep. Wayne Hays [D-OH18, 1949-1976]
On Jun. 2, 1976, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Hayes for retaining an employee on public payroll for immoral purposes (1974-76) after Hays and other members requested an investigation of the press allegations. On Sep. 1, 1976, he resigned prior to hearings.
| Jun. 2, 1976 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct ordered an investigation after Hays and other members requested an investigation of the press allegations |
| Sep. 1, 1976 | Resigned prior to hearings. |
Rep. Herbert Burke [R-FL12, 1973-1978]
On May 27, 1978, Burke faced an allegation of drunk and disorderly and resisting arrest at the Centerfold Bar in Dania, FL. Burke resisted, he said, because he was only there to stop a drug deal. In 1978, he pleaded guilty and lost his bid for re-election.
| 1978 | Pleaded guilty and lost his bid for re-election. |
Rep. Richard Alvin Tonry [D-LA1, 1977-1978]
Tonry faced an allegation of stuffing ballot boxes and illegal campaign contributions in the primary election. On May. 5, 1977, he resigned.
| Feb. 2, 1977 | House Committee on Administration investigated the charges |
| May. 5, 1977 | Resigned. |
| Jun. 27, 1977 | Defeated in a special election primary held to fill the vacancy he created with his resignation. |
Rep. Robert Sikes [D-FL1, 1963-1978]
On Jul. 21, 1976, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Sikes for improper financial disclosure [R. 44] and conflict of interest and recommended reprimand, 10-2. On Jul. 29, 1976, the House of Representatives reprimanded him, 381-3. In 1978, he did not seek re-election.
| Jul. 21, 1976 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct recommended reprimand, 10-2 |
| Jul. 29, 1976 | House of Representatives reprimanded, 381-3 |
| 1978 | Did not seek re-election. |
Rep. Michael Harrington [D-MA6, 1969-1978]
In 1975, the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct investigated Harrington for public disclosure of 1974 executive session testimony by the CIA Director to the House Armed Services Investigations Subcommittee. On Nov. 6, 1975, the committee dismissed the complaint because the information had not been properly classified.
| Nov. 6, 1975 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct dismissed the complaint, 7-3 because the information had not been properly classified |
Rep. John Dowdy [D-TX2, 1967-1972]
In 1971 Dowdy was convicted of bribery, conspiracy, and perjury related to accepting $25,000 to hinder a federal investigation of a Maryland company in 1965. On Apr. 16, 1975, the House of Representatives passed H. Res. 46, 360-37 adding clause 10 to the Code of Official Conduct, stating the policy of the House that a member convicted of a serious crime voluntarily refrain from voting.
| Dec. 30, 1971 | Convicted of bribery, conspiracy, and perjury. |
| 1972 | Declined to run for re-election. |
| Mar. 12, 1975 | House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct unanimously adopted H. Res. 46 |
| Apr. 16, 1975 | House of Representatives passed H. Res. 46, 360-37 adding clause 10 to the Code of Official Conduct, stating the policy of the House that member convicted of a serious crime voluntarily refrain from voting |
Rep. Frank Brasco [D-NY11, 1967-1974]
Brasco faced an allegation of bribery to get a Post Office contract for a Mafia-controlled truck company. On Jul. 19, 1974, he was convicted and did not run for re-election.
| Jul. 19, 1974 | Convicted and did not run for re-election. |
Rep. Bertram Podell [D-NY13, 1967-1974]
Podell faced an allegation of bribery. In 1974, he was defeated in the election after indictment. On Oct. 1, 1974, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy and conflict of interest.
| 1974 | Defeated in the election after indictment. |
| Oct. 1, 1974 | Pleaded guilty to conspiracy and conflict of interest. |
Rep. Cornelius Gallagher [D-NJ13, 1959-1972]
Gallagher faced an allegation of tax evasion and perjury. In 1972, he was defeated in the primary. On Jun. 15, 1973, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
| 1972 | Defeated in the primary. |
| Jun. 15, 1973 | Pleaded guilty and was sentenced to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine. |
Rep. John Whalley [R-PA12, 1963-1972]
Whalley faced an allegation of taking kickbacks from congressional employees for personal use. In 1973, he resigned from Congress and pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and mail fraud.
| 1973 | Resigned from Congress and pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and mail fraud. |
Sen. Edward “Ted” Kennedy [D-MA, 1962-2009]
On July 18, 1969, Kennedy faced an allegation of leaving the scene of an accident after driving a car into the Poucha Pond inlet while his passenger Mary Jo Kopechne drowned. On Jul. 25, 1969, he pleaded guilty and received a suspended sentence.
| Jul. 25, 1969 | Pleaded guilty and received a suspended sentence. |
Rep. Adam Powell [D-NY18, 1963-1970]
Powell faced an allegation of using committee travel funds for personal travel while Chairman of Education and Labor committee, other misuse of funds, and contempt of court. He was excluded, 307-116 on Mar. 1, 1967, then reelected in a special election but did not take the seat, and on Jan. 3, 1969, he was seated to the 91st Cong. and fined $25,000, 254-158. In 1969, the Supreme Court held the exclusion unconstitutional, see (Powell v. McCormack, 395 U.S. 486.
| Feb. 23, 1967 | Select Committee appointed by the House recommended censure, $40,000 restitution and reduction of seniority. |
| Mar. 1, 1967 | Excluded, 307-116. |
| Apr. 11, 1967 | Reelected to the 90th Congress in a special election to fill the vacancy caused by his exclusion but did not take the seat. |
| Jan. 3, 1969 | Seated after reelection to the 91st Cong., fined $25,000 and seniority reduced, 254-158. |
| 1969 | Supreme Court held the exclusion unconstitutional, see (Powell v. McCormack, 395 U.S. 486. |
| 1970 | Lost the primary to Charles Rangel. |
Rep. Martin McKneally [R-NY27, 1969-1970]
McKneally faced an allegation of tax evasion revealed during the last month of the 1970 election. In 1970, he was defeated. On Oct. 19, 1971, he pleaded guilty to one count of failing to report income for tax purposes for the years 1964-1967.
| 1970 | Defeated. |
| Oct. 19, 1971 | Pleaded guilty to one count of failing to report income for tax purposes for the years 1964-1967. |
Sen. Daniel Brewster [D-MD, 1963-1968]
In 1969, after he lost his re-election campaign for the Senate, Brewster was indicted for bribery while a U.S. Senator. In 1975, he pleaded no contest to a single charge of accepting an illegal gratuity.
| 1975 | Pleaded no contest to a single charge of accepting an illegal gratuity. |
Sen. Thomas Dodd [D-CT, 1959-1970]
Dodd faced an allegation of personal use of campaign funds and unbecoming conduct in a senator. On Feb. 23, 1966, he made a request for committee investigation. On Apr. 27, 1967, the Senate Select Committee on Standards and Conduct recommended censure. On Jun. 23, 1967, the Senate censured him, 92-5. In 1970, he was not re-elected.
| Feb. 23, 1966 | Request for committee investigation. |
| Apr. 27, 1967 | Senate Select Committee on Standards and Conduct committee report was released with recommendation of censure |
| Jun. 23, 1967 | Senate censured 92-5 |
| 1970 | Was not re-elected. |
Rep. Frank Boykin [D-AL1, 1935-1962]
Boykin was found guilty of conspiracy and conflict of interest. In 1962, after reapportionment reduced Alabama's Congressional delegation by one seat in 1962, Alabama held a single statewide election for its representatives with all of the current representatives running against each other. Boykin placed last and therefore was not re-elected. In 1963, he was convicted. In 1964, he was pardoned by President Johnson.
| 1962 | After reapportionment reduced Alabama's Congressional delegation by one seat in 1962, Alabama held a single statewide election for Congressional Representatives with all of the current Representatives running against each other. The Representative who placed last would get no seat and the rest would be at-large. Boykin placed last. |
| 1963 | Convicted. |
| 1964 | Pardoned by President Johnson. |
Rep. Thomas Johnson [D-MD1, 1959-1962]
Johnson faced an allegation of accepting an illegal gratuity. In 1962, he was defeated in the election. In 1968, he was convicted of conspiracy and conflict of interest.
| 1962 | Defeated in the election. |
| 1968 | Convicted of conspiracy and conflict of interest. |
Rep. Thomas Lane [D-MA7, 1941-1962]
Lane faced an allegation of tax evasion. In 1956, he was convicted and served four months in prison while still in Congress and was re-elected subsequently.
| 1956 | Convicted and served four months in prison while still in Congress and was re-elected subsequently. |
Rep. Ernest Bramblett [R-CA13, 1953-1954]
Bramblett faced an allegation of engaging in payroll fraud. In 1954, he was convicted and not a candidate for re-election.
| 1954 | Convicted and not a candidate for re-election. |
Sen. Joseph McCarthy [R-WI, 1947-1957]
McCarthy abused a Senate committee. On Dec. 2, 1954, the Senate censured him, 67-22.
| Nov. 8, 1954 | Select Committee to Study Censure Charges unanimously recommended censure |
| Dec. 2, 1954 | Senate censured, 67-22 |
| May. 2, 1957 | Died before his term would have ended in 1958. |
Sen. Joseph McCarthy [R-WI, 1947-1957]
McCarthy faced an allegation of corruption. On Jan. 2, 1953, the Senate Subcommittee on Privileges and Elections issued a report with no specific recommendations for Senate action and thus the Senate took no action even though the Subcommittee did find evidence of improper behavior by McCarthy. In 1953, the Department of Justice announced it had found no evidence of wrongdoing and closed the case.
Rep. Walter Brehm [R-OH11, 1943-1952]
Brehm faced an allegation of illegal campaign contributions. On Apr. 30, 1951, he was convicted and fined $5,000. In 1952, he was not a candidate for re-election.
| Apr. 30, 1951 | Convicted and fined $5,000. |
| 1952 | Not a candidate for re-election. |
Rep. John Parnell Thomas [R-NJ7, 1937-1950]
Thomas faced an allegation of payroll fraud. On Nov. 30, 1949, he pleaded no contest and served nine months in prison. On Jan. 2, 1950, he resigned.
| Nov. 30, 1949 | Pleaded no contest and served nine months in prison. |
| Jan. 2, 1950 | Resigned. |
Rep. Andrew May [D-KY7, 1935-1946]
May faced an allegation of war profiteering by accepting bribes to use his official position to secure munitions contracts during World War Two. In 1946, he was defeated in the election. On Jul. 3, 1947, he was convicted. In 1950, he served nine months in prison. In 1952, he was pardoned by President Truman.
| 1946 | Defeated in the election. |
| Jul. 3, 1947 | Convicted. |
| 1950 | Served nine months in prison. |
| 1952 | Pardoned by President Truman. |
Sen. Theodore Bilbo [D-MS, 1935-1946]
Bilbo faced allegations of campaign irregularities, voter intimidation against African-American voters and corruption. In 1946, the Senate established a special committee to investigate election practices in the 1946 MS senate election and separately had the Special Committee to Investigate the National Defense Program also investigate Bilbo. On Aug. 21, 1947, while fellow white supremacist senators from Southern states filibustered an attempt to expel Bilbo, the discussion was tabled so Bilbo could receive treatment for cancer of the mouth. He died on August 21, 1947 and no formal action was ever taken.
Sen. George Berry [D-TN, 1937-1938]
Langer faced an allegation of bribery, receiving kickbacks, collecting fees for fictitious services and converting proceeds from litigation settlements. On Jan. 29, 1942, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended that Langer was not entitled to his seat due to a lack of moral fitness to be a senator and recommended he be excluded by a majority vote. On Mar. 27, 1942, the Senate vote on exclusion but failed 30-52.
| Jan. 3, 1941 | Senate referred the allegations to the Committee on Privileges and Elections |
| Jan. 29, 1942 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended that Langer was not entitled to his seat due to a lack of moral fitness to be a senator and recommended he be excluded by a majority vote |
| Mar. 27, 1942 | Senate rejected the argument that Langer could not be seated which meant an expulsion and a two-thirds majority instead; the vote failed 30-52 |
Rep. John Hoeppel [D-CA12, 1933-1936]
Hoeppel faced an allegation of selling military appointments. In 1936, he was convicted. In 1936, he was an unsuccessful candidate for election.
| 1936 | Convicted. |
| 1936 | Unsuccessful candidate for election. |
Sen. Huey Long [D-LA, 1932-1935]
Long faced allegations of previously using Louisiana state employees and resources for the campaign of Sen. John Overton and promising release to prisoners in exchange for supporting Overton at the polls. By Jun. 16, 1934, the investigating committees concluded that no specific action was warranted, partly because many of the contested activities were legal in Louisiana at that time and partly due to a lack of evidence. On Sep. 1, 1935, Long was assassinated before he could finish his Senate term or complete his campaign to run for president.
Rep. Harry Rowbottom [R-IN1, 1927-1931]
Rowbottom faced an allegation of accepting bribes for appointments to the U.S. Post Office. In 1930, he was an unsuccessful candidate for election. On Apr. 16, 1931, he was convicted.
| 1930 | Unsuccessful candidate for election. |
| Apr. 16, 1931 | Convicted. |
Sen. Hiram Bingham [R-CT, 1927-1933]
Bingham hired a lobbyist who was still being paid by a manufacturing organization. On Nov. 4, 1929, the Senate censured him 54-22.
Rep. Frank Leslie Smith [R-IL17, 1919-1921]
On May. 19, 1926, Smith's admitted excessive campaign contributions from a utility company he regulated. Smith won election anyway in 1926, but was appointed before being seated to a vacant Senate seat. The Senate refused to seat Smith.
Sen. Arthur Gould [R-ME, 1926-1931]
Gould faced an allegation of bribery more than a decade before his time in office, and the Senate considered whether to prevent him from taking his seat. On Mar. 4, 1927, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended the Senate dismiss all charges in part because 14 year old charges did not and should not affect the legality of his election.
| Dec. 7, 1926 | Committee on Privileges and Elections Sen. Walsh asked for a clear judgment on the Senate's right to exclude members for actions taken long before their election to the Senate and unrelated to the election itself |
| Mar. 4, 1927 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended the Senate dismiss all charges because 14 year old charges did not and should not affect the legality of his election. Further, because the bribe was made on behalf of a board of directors of a company of which Gould was a member and because Gould swore that he had personally vehemently opposed that bribe, therefore, he, Gould was not personally responsible for the crime that everyone agreed had in fact taken place. The committee further refused to provide a guideline on how prior actions should affect seating as a Senator because each case should be considered on its merits |
| Apr. 28, 1928 | Senate reimbursed Gould over $10,000 for his expenses |
| 1932 | Gould declined to run for re-election. |
Sen. Sam Bratton [D-NM, 1931-1933]
Bratton faced an allegation of election irregularities that changed the outcome of the election. On Apr. 30, 1926, the Committee on Privileges and Elections unanimously found that the accuser had failed to prove corruption or a change in the election outcome and recommended no further action. On Apr. 30, 1926, the Senate adopted the committee report.
| Apr. 30, 1926 | Committee on Privileges and Elections unanimously found that the accuser had failed to prove corruption or a change in the election outcome and recommended no further action |
| Apr. 30, 1926 | Senate adopted the committee report |
Sen. Thomas Schall [R-MN, 1931-1935]
Schall faced an allegation of campaign misconduct. On Jun. 26, 1926, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended unanimously that Schall retain his seat. On Jun. 16, 1926, the Senate adopted the committee recommendation.
| Jun. 26, 1926 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended unanimously that Schall retain his seat |
| Jun. 16, 1926 | Senate adopted the committee recommendation |
Rep. John Langley [R-KY-1, 1925-1927]
Langley faced an allegation of violating the National Prohibition Act and in 1924 was convicted. On May. 15, 1924, a special committee deferred action until conclusion of criminal case and appeals. In 1925, he was re-elected. On Nov. 13, 1925, the conviction was affirmed by appeals court. On Dec. 22, 1925, the special committee concluded that House could not expel a member for action prior to election and recommended no action until decision by Supreme Court. In Jan. 1926, the Supreme Court declined to review the case. On Jan. 11, 1926, he resigned.
| 1924 | Convicted of violating the National Prohibition Act in 1924. |
| May. 15, 1924 | Special committee deferred action until conclusion of criminal case and appeals. |
| 1925 | Re-elected. |
| Nov. 13, 1925 | Conviction affirmed by appeals court. |
| Dec. 22, 1925 | Special committee concluded that House could not expel a member for action prior to election; recommended no action until decision by Supreme Court. |
| January 1926 | Supreme Court declined to review the case |
| Jan. 11, 1926 | Resigned. |
Rep. Frederick Zihlman [R-MD6, 1927-1931]
Zihlman faced an allegation that “certain sums of money were paid to two members of Congress” according to a grand jury report to court in 1924. On May. 15, 1924, a special committee recommended no further action against Zihlman.
| May. 15, 1924 | Special committee recommended no further action against Zihlman. |
Sen. Burton Wheeler [D-MT, 1923-1946]
Wheeler faced an allegation of representing clients in cases in which the U.S. was an interested party (indicted in Montana). On Apr. 9, 1924, Wheeler requested a special committee to investigate the indictment because he contended it was retaliation for his investigations into the Justice Department's failure to prosecute government officials implicated in the Teapot Dome scandal. On May. 14, 1924, the special committee exonerated Wheeler. On May. 23, 1924, the Senate voted to agree with the committee report 56-5. In 1925, wheeler was acquitted in the Montana case.
| Apr. 9, 1924 | Senate Wheeler requested a special committee to investigate the indictment because he contended it was retaliation for his investigations into the Justice Department's failure to prosecute government officials implicated in the Teapot Dome scandal |
| May. 14, 1924 | special committee exonerated Wheeler |
| May. 23, 1924 | Senate voted to agree with the committee report 56-5 |
| 1925 | Wheeler was acquitted in the Montana case. |
Sen. Truman Newberry [R-MI, 1919-1922]
Newberry faced an allegation of election fraud. On Mar. 20, 1920, the Senate convicted him of bribery. On May. 2, 1921, the Supreme Court overturned the Senate conviction. On Jan. 12, 1922, the Senate affirmed his election 46-41. On Nov. 18, 1922, he resigned.
| Mar. 20, 1920 | Senate convicted him of bribery |
| May. 2, 1921 | Supreme Court overturned the Senate conviction |
| Jan. 12, 1922 | Senate affirmed his election 46-41 |
| Nov. 18, 1922 | Resigned. |
Rep. Thomas Blanton [D-TX17, 1931-1936]
Blanton faced an allegation of inserting a document in Congressional Record containing indecent and obscene language on October 22, 1921. On Oct. 24, the House voted to expunge the document from the Congressional Record. On Oct. 27, 1921, he was censured (“resolution of reprimand and censure”), 293-0. On Oct. 28, 1921, apologized.
| Oct. 24, 1921 | House of Representatives voted to expunge the document from the Congressional Record |
| Oct. 27, 1921 | Censured (“resolution of reprimand and censure”), 293-0. |
| Oct. 28, 1921 | Apologized. |
Sen. Robert La Follette [R-WI, 1923-1925]
La Follette faced an allegation of disloyalty to the United States by speaking against U.S. participation in World War I. On Jan. 16, 1919, the Committee on Privileges and Elections majority report recommended dismissing charges. On Jan. 16, 1919, the Senate voted 50-21 to dismiss the charges.
| Jan. 16, 1919 | Committee on Privileges and Elections majority report recommended dismissing charges |
| Jan. 16, 1919 | Senate voted 50-21 to dismiss the charges |
Sen. Truman Newberry [R-MI, 1919-1922]
Newberry faced an allegation of corrupt election spending. On Mar. 20, 1920, he was found guilty of campaign finance violations. On May. 2, 1921, the Supreme Court struck down the conviction. On Sep. 29, 1921, the Committee on Privileges and Elections exonerated Newberry in the majority report. On Jan. 12, 1922, the Senate condemned Newberry for excessive expenditures, but did not unseat him.
| Mar. 20, 1920 | Found guilty of campaign finance violations. |
| May. 2, 1921 | Supreme Court struck down conviction. |
| Sep. 29, 1921 | Committee on Privileges and Elections exonerated Newberry in the majority report |
| Jan. 12, 1922 | Senate condemned Newberry for excessive expenditures, but did not unseat him |
Sen. Howard Sutherland [R-WV, 1917-1923]
Sutherland faced an allegation of illegal campaign activities. On Jun. 26, 1918, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended Sutherland retain his seat due to a lack of evidence. On Jun. 28, 1918, the Senate adopted the committee's recommendation.
| Jun. 26, 1918 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended Sutherland retain his seat due to a lack of evidence |
| Jun. 28, 1918 | Senate adopted the committee's recommendation |
Rep. James McDermott [D-IL4, 1915-1917]
McDermott faced an allegation of bribery by National Association of Manufacturers and other groups in June 1913, alleged by newspapers. On Dec. 9, 1913, the Select Committee to Investigate Lobby Charges recommended censure of McDermott and exonerated six other members. On Apr. 24, 1914, the House Committee on the Judiciary recommended a resolution “strongly” condemning the conduct of McDermott. On Jul. 21, 1914, he resigned. On Nov. 3, 1914, he was re-elected.
| Dec. 9, 1913 | Select Committee to Investigate Lobby Charges recommended censure of McDermott and exonerated six other members |
| Apr. 24, 1914 | House Committee on the Judiciary recommended resolution “strongly” condemning conduct of McDermott |
| Jul. 21, 1914 | Resigned. |
| Nov. 3, 1914 | Re-elected. |
Sen. Clarence Watson [D-WV, 1911-1913]
Watson faced an allegation of bribery to secure a Senate seat. On Feb. 11, 1913, the Committee on Privileges and Elections unanimously recommended no further action. On Feb. 11, 1913, the Senate adopted the recommendation.
| Feb. 11, 1913 | Committee on Privileges and Elections unanimously recommended no further action |
| Feb. 11, 1913 | Senate adopted the recommendation |
Sen. William Chilton [D-WV, 1911-1917]
Chilton faced an allegation of bribery to secure a Senate seat. On Feb. 11, 1913, the Committee on Privileges and Elections unanimously recommended no further action. On Feb. 11, 1913, the Senate adopted the recommendation.
| Feb. 11, 1913 | Committee on Privileges and Elections unanimously recommended no further action |
| Feb. 11, 1913 | Senate adopted the recommendation |
Sen. Isaac Stephenson [R-WI, 1907-1915]
Stephenson faced an allegation of electoral misconduct, bribery, and corruption. On Jun. 11, 1911, the Committee on Privileges and Elections issued a majority report recommending he retain his seat and the minority report disagreeing. On Mar. 12, 1912, the Senate voted to allow him to keep his seate 40-34.
| Jun. 11, 1911 | Committee on Privileges and Elections issued a majority report recommending he retain his seat and the minority report disagreeing |
| Mar. 12, 1912 | Senate voted to allow him to keep his seate 40-34 |
Sen. William Lorimer [R-IL, 1909-1913]
Lorimer committed electoral misconduct, bribery, and corruption of a state legislature in order to secure election to the Senate (this was immediately before the 17th Amendement passed providing for direct election of senators). On Mar. 1, 1911, the Senate vote to unseat him failed 40-46. But on Jul. 13, 1912, the Senate unseated him by a vote of 55-28.
| Jun. 1, 1910 | Senate Lorimer asked for an investigation in light of Chicago Tribune allegations |
| Dec. 21, 1910 | Committee on Privileges and Elections majority report exonerated him while minority reports did not |
| Mar. 1, 1911 | Senate vote to unseat failed 40-46 |
| Jun. 7, 1911 | Senate subcomittee created out of Committee on Privileges and Elections |
| May. 20, 1912 | Committee on Privileges and Elections Subcommittee issued another majority and minority report, the former recommending he keep the seat and the minority that he not |
| Jul. 13, 1912 | Senate unseated by a vote of 55-28 |
Rep. Henry Cassel [R-PA9, 1907-1909]
Cassel faced an allegation of fraud related to the construction of the Pennsylvania State Capitol. In 1909, he was convicted and was not re-elected.
| 1909 | Convicted and was not re-elected. |
Rep. George Lilley [R-CT-1, 1907-1909]
Lilley faced an allegation of contempt of House for making false charges of corruption regarding another member. On May. 20, 1908, the Select Committee concluded Lilley made false allegations against another member and acted in contempt of House. On May. 20, 1908, the House of Representatives approved the report and conclusions of Select committee, 159- 82.
| May. 20, 1908 | Select Committee concluded Lilley made false allegations against another member and acted in contempt of House. |
| May. 20, 1908 | House of Representatives approved the report and conclusions of Select committee, 159-82 |
Sen. Reed Smoot [R-UT, 1927-1933]
Smoot faced an allegation of Mormonism, which was indeed his religion. On Jun. 2, 1906, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended expulsion 7-5 solely because he was a Mormon. On Feb. 20, 1907, the Senate first decided to require a 2/3 majority for expulsion which failed 27-43, and second to unseat him, which also failed 28-42.
Sen. John Hipple Mitchell [R-OR, 1901-1905]
Mitchell faced an allegation of using political influence in the federal government to help clients with land claims. In 1905, his indictment and conviction occured during Senate recess. On Dec. 8, 1905, he died.
| 1905 | Indictment and conviction occured during Senate recess. |
| Dec. 8, 1905 | Died. |
Sen. Charles Dietrich [R-NE, 1901-1905]
Dietrich faced an allegation of improprieties in postal appointments while Nebraska governor. On Feb. 1, 1904, Dietrich requested an investigation into charges he had accepted bribes for postal appointments even though the charges were dismissed in January 1904. On Apr. 14, 1904, the special committee unanimously exonerated Dietrich and no further action was taken.
| Feb. 1, 1904 | Senate Dietrich requested an investigation into charges he had accepted bribes for postal appointments even though the charges were dismissed in January 1904 |
| Apr. 14, 1904 | The special committee unanimously exonerated Dietrich and no further action was taken. |
Sen. Joseph Burton [R-KS, 1901-1907]
Burton was convicted of accepting compensation for services before a federal agency. On May. 21, 1906, his final conviction was upheld after the first had been overturned and he'd been convicted again. From 1904 to this point, Burton had not voted in the Senate to avoid triggering an explusion vote. On May 22, 1906, the issue was referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections. On Jun. 4, 1906, he resigned.
| May. 21, 1906 | His final conviction was upheld after the first had been overturned and he'd been convicted again. From 1904 to this point, Burton had not voted in the Senate to avoid triggering an explusion vote. |
| May. 22, 1906 | Senate Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections |
| Jun. 4, 1906 | Resigned. |
Sen. John McLaurin [D-SC, 1897-1903]
McLaurin had an altercation on February 22, 1902 in which Sen. Tillman accused Sen. McLaurin of treachery, then McLaurin accused Tillman of lying. Tillman then attacked McLaurin physically. After a fight almost broke out again, the Senate censured them both 54-12.
| Feb. 22, 1902 | Senate referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections and both senators were declared in contempt of the Senate and would not be allowed to speak on the floor except at the request of another senator. Another senator did so and both apologized although in such an unpleasant manner the fight almost broke out again |
| Feb. 28, 1902 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended that both should receive the same punishment even though Tillman started it. The punishment was censure and the suspension of duties they'd already been experiencing |
| Feb. 28, 1902 | Senate censured 54-12, with 22 senators not voting |
Sen. Benjamin Tillman [D-SC, 1907-1919]
Tillman had an altercation on February 22, 1902 in which he accused Sen. McLaurin of treachery, then McLaurin accused Tillman of lying. Tillman then attacked McLaurin physically. After a fight almost broke out again, the Senate censured them both 54-12.
| Feb. 22, 1902 | Senate referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections and both senators were declared in contempt of the Senate and would not be allowed to speak on the floor except at the request of another senator. Another senator did so and both apologized although in such an unpleasant manner the fight almost broke out again |
| Feb. 28, 1902 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended that both should receive the same punishment even though Tillman started it. The punishment was censure and the suspension of duties they'd already been experiencing |
| Feb. 28, 1902 | Senate censured 54-12, with 22 senators not voting |
Sen. William Clark [D-MT, 1901-1907]
Clark faced an allegation of bribery to win a Senate seat. On Apr. 23, 1900, the Committee on Privileges and Elections unanimously concluded he was not entitled to his seat and recommended a vote to unseat him. On May. 15, 1900, he resigned rather than be voted out. In 1901, he was elected to fill the vacancy he'd just created by a Montana legislature filled with winning candidates he'd financially supported.
| Apr. 23, 1900 | Committee on Privileges and Elections unanimously concluded he was not entitled to his seat and recommended a vote to unseat him |
| May. 15, 1900 | He resigned rather than be voted out. |
| 1901 | Clark was elected to fill the vacancy he'd just created by a Montana legislature filled with winning candidates he'd financially supported. His prior antagonist had died in 1900 and no new charges challenging his seat were filed. |
Sen. Marcus Hanna [R-OH, 1899-1905]
Hanna faced an allegation of bribery to win a Senate seat. On Feb. 28, 1899, the Committee on Privileges and Elections majority report found in favor of Hanna.
| Feb. 28, 1899 | Committee on Privileges and Elections majority report found in favor of Hanna |
Sen. William Roach [D-ND, 1893-1899]
Roach faced an allegation of embezzlement. In 1893, he was not expelled because the embezzlement had occured 13 years earlier.
| 1893 | Was not expelled because the embezzlement had occured 13 years earlier. |
Rep. William Bynum [D-IN7, 1893-1895]
Bynum faced an allegation of insulting another member during debate on May 17, 1890. On May. 17, 1890, he was censured 126-104.
| May. 17, 1890 | House of Representatives Censured 126-104 |
Sen. David Turpie [D-IN, 1893-1899]
Turpie faced an allegation of misconduct by the Indiana Senate to secure Turpie's election. On Mar. 4, 1888, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended no action since even if the charges were true the U.S. Senate had no jurisdiction over the Indiana Senate. On May. 15, 1888, the Senate voted by voice to discharge the committee from further investigation.
| Mar. 4, 1888 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended no action since even if the charges were true the U.S. Senate had no jurisdiction over the Indiana Senate |
| May. 15, 1888 | Senate voted by voice to discharge the committee from further investigation |
Sen. Henry Payne [D-OH, 1885-1891]
Payne faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in the election. On Jul. 15, 1886, the Committee on Privileges and Elections submitted multiple reports with no conclusive recommendations. On Jul. 23, 1886, the Senate voted to discharge the committee from further investigation.
| Jul. 15, 1886 | Committee on Privileges and Elections submitted multiple reports with no conclusive recommendations |
| Jul. 23, 1886 | Senate voted to discharge the committee from further investigation |
Rep. William Pitt Kellogg [R-LA3, 1883-1885]
Kellogg faced an allegation of corruption for conduct that occurred prior to election to the House. On May. 23, 1884, Kellogg asked the Department of Justice to investigate and the resolution was referred to the Judiciary committee, 82-49; but no report appears to have been made.
| May. 23, 1884 | Kellogg asked the Department of Justice to investigate and the resolution was referred to the Judiciary committee, 82-49; but no report appears to have been made. |
Rep. John Van Voorhis [R-NY31, 1893-1895]
Voorhis faced an allegation of insulting another member during debate on March 1, 1883. Voorhis apologized prior to a censure vote and on Mar. 1, 1883, the House of Representatives failed to censure him, 66-78.
| Mar. 1, 1883 | House of Representatives Voorhis apologized prior to a censure vote and the censure vote failed, 66-78 |
Sen. Elbridge Lapham [R-NY, 1881-1885]
Lapham faced an allegation of election corruption. On Dec. 3, 1881, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended in an oral report that no further action for lack of evidence of wrongdoing. On Dec. 13, 1881, the Senate discharged the committee from further action.
| Dec. 3, 1881 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended in an oral report that no further action for lack of evidence of wrongdoing |
| Dec. 13, 1881 | Senate discharged the committee from further action |
Sen. Warner Miller [R-NY, 1881-1887]
Miller faced an allegation of election corruption. On Dec. 3, 1881, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended in an oral report that no further action for lack of evidence of wrongdoing. On Dec. 13, 1881, the Senate discharged the committee from further action.
| Dec. 3, 1881 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended in an oral report that no further action for lack of evidence of wrongdoing |
| Dec. 13, 1881 | Senate discharged the committee from further action |
Sen. John Ingalls [R-KS, 1885-1891]
Ingalls faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in the election. On Feb. 17, 1880, the Committee on Privileges and Elections concluded that while bribery and corruption were present, there was no evidence tying them to Ingalls or that it had altered election results and therefore the charges should be dismissed.
Sen. Stanley Matthews [R-OH, 1877-1879]
Matthews faced an allegation of corruption before serving in the Senate. On Mar. 1, 1879, a Select Committee unanimously found Matthews had not committed fraud, but had given the appearance of impropriety.
| Mar. 1, 1879 | Select Committee unanimously found Matthews had not committed fraud, but had given the appearance of impropriety. |
Sen. La Grover [D-OR, 1877-1883]
Grover faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in the election. On Jun. 15, 1878, the Committee on Privileges and Elections dismissed the charges.
| Jun. 15, 1878 | Committee on Privileges and Elections dismissed the charges |
Rep. Robert Smalls [R-SC7, 1885-1887]
Smalls faced an allegation of accepting a bribe while a state legislator in 1872. On Nov. 11, 1877, he was convicted and was sentenced to three years imprisonment, for which he served three days. On Dec. 3, 1877, he was released on bail pending appeal. On Jan. 25, 1878, the House Committee on the Judiciary investigated the circumstances of the conviction and determined that arrest by state authorities for an alleged state crime and detention for trial did not violate any right or privilege of the House. On Apr. 23, 1879, he was pardoned by governor.
| Nov. 11, 1877 | Convicted and was sentenced to three years imprisonment, for which he served three days. |
| Dec. 3, 1877 | Released on bail pending appeal. |
| Jan. 25, 1878 | House Committee on the Judiciary investigated the circumstances of the conviction and determined that arrest by state authorities for an alleged state crime and detention for trial did not violate any right or privilege of the House |
| Apr. 23, 1879 | Pardoned by governor. |
Sen. James Blaine [R-ME, 1876-1881]
Blaine faced an allegation of selling worthless bonds to Union Pacific Railroad for $64,000. On Jun. 6, 1876, the House Committee on the Judiciary ordered a report. On Jul. 10, 1876, he resigned.
| Jun. 6, 1876 | House Committee on the Judiciary ordered a report |
| Jul. 10, 1876 | Resigned. |
Rep. Charles Hays [R-AL4, 1875-1877]
Hays faced an allegation of accepting money to nominate an individual not from his district to military academy and making false certification regarding residency of the nominee. On Jul. 19, 1876, the committee recommended 4-2 that the House take no further action but concluded Hays' actions “excites grave suspicions, and shows in any possible view a carelessness which ought not to be tolerated”. On Aug. 6, 1876, the report of the Judiciary Committee was tabled.
| Jul. 19, 1876 | Committee recommended 4-2 that the House take no further action but concluded Hays' actions “excites grave suspicions, and shows in any possible view a carelessness which ought not to be tolerated”. |
| Aug. 6, 1876 | Report of the Judiciary Committee was tabled. |
Rep. William Smith King [R-MN3, 1875-1877]
King faced an allegation of corruption and false testimony before congressional committee. On Aug. 9, 1876, the majority report of the Judiciary committee concluded 16-7 that the House had no jurisdiction to investigate an alleged offense committed in a previous Congress that was being reviewed by the courts.
Rep. John Schumaker [D-NY2, 1875-1877]
Schumaker faced an allegation of corruption and false testimony before congressional committee. On Aug. 9, 1876, the majority report of the Judiciary committee concluded 16-7 that the House had no jurisdiction to investigate an alleged offense committed in a previous Congress that was being reviewed by the courts.
Rep. John Brown [D-KY2, 1875-1877]
Brown faced an allegation of insulting a member in debate and lying to the Speaker on February 4, 1875. On Feb. 4, 1875, the House of Representatives censured him, 161-79. On May. 2, 1876, the House of Representatives unanimously agreed to resolution rescinding portion of censure regarding comments to Speaker because the former Speaker concluded Brown “did not in any way intend to prevaricate or deceive the House”.
| Feb. 4, 1875 | House of Representatives censured, 161-79 |
| May. 2, 1876 | House of Representatives unanimously agreed to resolution rescinding portion of censure regarding comments to Speaker because the former Speaker concluded Brown “did not in any way intend to prevaricate or deceive the House” |
Sen. Lewis Bogy [D-MO, 1873-1877]
Bogy faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in the election. On Mar. 25, 1873, the Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended no further action and the Senate voted to adopt committee report.
| Mar. 25, 1873 | Committee on Privileges and Elections recommended no further action |
| Mar. 25, 1873 | Senate voted to adopt committee report |
Sen. William Allison [R-IA, 1903-1909]
Allison faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in management of Union Pacific Railroad and Credit Mobilier of America. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee made no recommendation.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee made no recommendation |
Sen. James Bayard Jr. [D-DE, 1867-1869]
Bayard faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in management of Union Pacific Railroad and Credit Mobilier of America. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee made no recommendation.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee made no recommendation |
Sen. George Boutwell [R-MA, 1873-1877]
Boutwell faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in management of Union Pacific Railroad and Credit Mobilier of America. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee made no recommendation.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee made no recommendation |
Vice President Schuyler Colfax [R, 1869-1873]
Colfax faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in management of Union Pacific Railroad and Credit Mobilier of America. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee made no recommendation. On Feb. 20, 1873, the House of Representatives impeachment resolution was introduced. On Mar. 4, 1873, his term as Vice President and President of the Senate ended.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee made no recommendation |
| Feb. 20, 1873 | House of Representatives impeachment resolution was introduced |
| Mar. 4, 1873 | Term as Vice President and President of the Senate ended. |
Sen. James Harlan [R-IA, 1867-1873]
Harlan faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in management of Union Pacific Railroad and Credit Mobilier of America. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee recommended censure. On Mar. 4, 1873, his term ended.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee recommended censure |
| Mar. 4, 1873 | Term ended. |
Sen. John Logan [R-IL, 1885-1887]
Logan faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in management of Union Pacific Railroad and Credit Mobilier of America. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee dismissed the charges.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee dismissed the charges |
Sen. Roscoe Conkling [R-NY, 1873-1881]
Conkling faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in management of Union Pacific Railroad and Credit Mobilier of America. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee dismissed the charges.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee dismissed the charges |
Vice President Henry Wilson [R, 1873-1875]
Wilson faced an allegation of bribery and corruption in management of Union Pacific Railroad and Credit Mobilier of America. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee no formal recommendation, but he was reprimanded in report.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee no formal recommendation, but reprimanded in report |
Sen. James Willis Patterson [R-NH, 1867-1873]
Patterson faced an allegation of corruption in Credit Mobilier stock share purchases. On Feb. 27, 1873, the Morrill Committee made an unanimous recommendation of expulsion. In 1873, the Senate took no action due to expiration of Patterson's term.
| Feb. 27, 1873 | Morrill Committee made an unanimous recommendation of expulsion |
| 1873 | Senate took no action due to expiration of Patterson's term |
Sen. Samuel Pomeroy [R-KS, 1861-1873]
Pomeroy faced an allegation of bribery to secure votes for a Senate seat. On Jun. 3, 1872, the Committee on Privileges and Elections dismissed the charges. On Mar. 3, 1873, having lost re-election, Pomeroy requested another investigation and the special committee investigating issued majority and minority reports. However, because the report came on the last day of his term, no further action was taken.
Sen. Alexander Caldwell [R-KS, 1871-1873]
Caldwell faced an allegation of bribery to secure votes for a Senate seat. On Feb. 17, 1873, the committee reported unanimously that Caldwell had bribed legislators for their votes and recommended a declaration of a voided election. On Mar. 24, 1873, he resigned before a Senate vote.
| Feb. 17, 1873 | Committee reported unanimously that Caldwell had bribed legislators for their votes and recommended a declaration of a voided election. |
| Mar. 24, 1873 | Resigned before a Senate vote. |
Sen. Powell Clayton [R-AR, 1871-1877]
Clayton faced an allegation of corruption while governor of Arkansas. On Feb. 26, 1873, the charges were dismissed. On Mar. 25, 1873, the Senate accepted the committee report 33-6.
| Feb. 26, 1873 | Charges were dismissed. |
| Mar. 25, 1873 | Senate accepted the committee report 33-6 |
Rep. James Brooks [D-NY6, 1873-1875]
Brooks faced an allegation of soliciting and accepting 50 shares of Credit Mobilier stock at undervalued price. On Feb. 13, 1873, a special committee recommended expulsion. On Feb. 27, 1873, the House of Representatives censured him, 174-32.
| Feb. 13, 1873 | Special committee recommended expulsion. |
| Feb. 27, 1873 | House of Representatives censured, 174-32 |
Rep. Oakes Ames [R-MA2, 1865-1873]
Ames faced an allegation of selling $33 million in Credit Mobilier stock to members of Congress and officials of the executive branch at undervalued price with intent to influence votes and decisions of the legislators. On Feb. 18, 1873, a special committee recommended expulsion but the Judiciary committee recommended against expulsion because the acts in question occurred three years before his election to the 42nd Congress. On Feb. 27, 1873, the House of Representatives censured him, 182- 36.
| Feb. 18, 1873 | Special committee recommended expulsion but the Judiciary committee recommended against expulsion because the acts in question occurred three years before his election to the 42nd Congress. |
| Feb. 27, 1873 | House of Representatives censured, 182- 36 |
Rep. Roderick Butler [R-TN1, 1887-1889]
Butler faced an allegation of accepting money for recommending appointment to military academy. On Mar. 16, 1870, the Committee on Military Affairs recommended censure. On Mar. 16, 1870, the House of Representatives censured him, 150-0.
| Mar. 16, 1870 | Committee on Military Affairs recommended censure |
| Mar. 16, 1870 | House of Representatives censured, 150-0 |
Rep. John Deweese [R-NC4, 1867-1871]
Deweese faced an allegation of accepting money for recommending appointment to military academy. On Feb. 28, 1870, he resigned. On Mar. 1, 1870, the Committee on Military Affairs recommended censure and the House of Representatives censured him, 170-0.
| Feb. 28, 1870 | Resigned. |
| Mar. 1, 1870 | Committee on Military Affairs recommended censure. |
| Mar. 1, 1870 | House of Representatives censured,170-0 |
Sen. Hiram Revels [R-MS, 1870-1871]
Revels faced an allegation of, officially, not holding citizenship for the required nine years at the time of presenting his credentials to the Senate on February 23, 1870 in order to become the first black American to serve there. However, based on the racist arguments offered during debate on the issue, the allegation was actually that he was black. On Feb. 25, 1870, the Senate voted to accept his credentials 48-8.
| Feb. 25, 1870 | Senate voted to accept his credentials 48-8. |
Rep. Benjamin Whittemore [R-SC1, 1867-1871]
Whittemore faced an allegation of selling appointments to military academies. On Feb. 21, 1870, the Committee on Military Affairs recommended expulsion. On Feb. 24, 1870, the House of Representatives censured him, 187-0. On Jun. 21, 1870, he resigned prior to censure, but then was reelected to the same session of the House and then excluded from the House again, 130-76.
| Feb. 21, 1870 | Committee on Military Affairs recommended expulsion |
| Feb. 24, 1870 | House of Representatives censured, 187-0 |
| Jun. 21, 1870 | Resigned prior to censure, but then was reelected to the same session of the House and then excluded from the House again, 130-76. |
Rep. Edward Holbrook [D-ID-1, 1865-1869]
Holbrook faced an allegation of accusing another member of lying during debate on February 4, 1869. On Feb. 4, 1869, he was censured by the Speaker with no recorded vote.
| Feb. 4, 1869 | Censured by the Speaker with no recorded vote. |
Rep. Fernando Wood [D-NY-1, 1881-1883]
Wood faced an allegation of describing Reconstruction legislation as a “monstrosity” on January 15, 1868 and that day the House of Representatives censured him, 114-39.
| Jan. 15, 1868 | House of Representatives censured, 114-39 |
Rep. John Ward Hunter [D-NY3, 1865-1867]
Hunter faced an allegation of accusing another member of lying during debate on January 26, 1867 and on that day the House of Representatives censured him, 77-33.
| Jan. 26, 1867 | House of Representatives censured, 77-33 |
Rep. Lovell Rousseau [U-KY5, 1865-1867]
Rep. Rousseau faced an allegation of assaulting Rep. Grinnell with a cane outside the Capitol for an alleged insult spoken in debate. On Jul. 2, 1866, a special committee recommended expulsion. On Jul. 17, 1866, the House of Representatives censured him, 89-30. On Jul. 21, 1866, he resigned. On Dec. 3, 1866, he was re-elected to fill the vacancy his own resignation created.
| Jul. 2, 1866 | Special committee recommended expulsion. |
| Jul. 17, 1866 | House of Representatives censured, 89-30 |
| Jul. 21, 1866 | Resigned. |
| Dec. 3, 1866 | Re-elected to fill the vacancy his own resignation created. |
Rep. John Chanler [D-NY7, 1865-1869]
Chanler faced an allegation of “[A]ttempted a gross insult to the House” by proposing a resolution supporting vetoes issued by President Johnson on May 14, 1864 and on the same day the House of Representatives censured him, 72-30.
| May. 14, 1866 | House of Representatives censured, 72-30 |
Rep. Alexander Long [D-OH2, 1863-1865]
Long faced an allegation of supporting recognition of the independence of the Confederacy in speech on floor of the House on April 8, 1864 and on the same day the House of Representatives censured him, 80- 70.
| Apr. 14, 1864 | House of Representatives censured, 80- 70 |
Rep. Benjamin Gwinn Harris [D-MD5, 1865-1867]
Harris faced an allegation of encouraging the Confederacy on April 9, 1864 during House debate on resolution to expel Long. On Apr. 14, 1864, the House of Representatives censured him, 98-20.
| Apr. 14, 1864 | House of Representatives censured, 98-20 |
Rep. Henry Burnett [D-KY1, 1861-1863]
Burnett faced an allegation of open rebellion against the government of the United States. On Dec. 3, 1861, the House of Representatives expelled him, but no exact vote recorded.
| Dec. 3, 1861 | House of Representatives expelled him, but no exact vote recorded |
Rep. John Reid [D-MO5, 1861-1863]
Reid faced an allegation of taking up arms against the government of the United States. On Dec. 2, 1861, the House of Representatives expelled him, but no exact vote recorded).
| Dec. 2, 1861 | House of Representatives expelled him, but no exact vote recorded |
Rep. John Clark [D-MO3, 1861-1863]
Clark faced an allegation of taking up arms against the government of the United States. On Jul. 13, 1861, the House of Representatives expelled him, 94-45.
| Jul. 13, 1861 | House of Representatives expelled, 94-45 |
Sen. James Simmons [R-RI, 1857-1863]
Simmons faced an allegation of using his influence to obtain contracts for Rhode Island rifle manufacturers in exchange for payment. On Jul. 14, 1862, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended that Senate take such action as it deemed appropriate, but also that the charges were all true. On Aug. 15, 1862, he resigned.
| Jul. 14, 1862 | Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended that Senate take such action as it deemed appropriate, but also that the charges were all true |
| Aug. 15, 1862 | Resigned. |
Sen. Benjamin Stark [D-OR, 1861-1863]
Stark faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Feb. 27, 1862, the Senate voted to seat him 26-19 since his public statements came before he was in the Senate. Stark requested another investigation, presumably to more fully exonerate him, and on Apr. 22, a committee reported that based on his public statements, he supported the rebellion, and Charles Sumner introduced a resolution to expel him. On Jun. 6, the expulsion resolution was defeated 21-16, apparently because Stark had only a few more months to serve.
| Feb. 27, 1862 | Senate voted to seat him 26-19 since his public statements came before he was in the Senate |
| Feb. 28, 1862 | Stark requested another investigation, presumably to more fully exonerate him. |
| Apr. 22, 1862 | Committee reported that based on Stark's public statements, he supported the rebellion and Charles Sumner introduced a resolution to expel him. |
| Jun. 6, 1862 | Senate expulsion vote was defeated 21-16, apparently because Stark had only a few more months to serve |
Sen. Jesse Bright [D-IN, 1857-1863]
Bright faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jan. 13, 1862, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended against expulsion. On Feb. 5, 1863, the Senate expelled him, 32-14.
| Jan. 13, 1862 | Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended against expulsion |
| Feb. 5, 1863 | Senate expelled 32-14 |
Sen. Waldo Johnson [D-MO, 1861-1863]
Johnson faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jan. 9, 1862, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended expulsion since he had not appeared that session and was rumored to be a Confederate officer. On Jan. 10, 1862, the Senate expelled him, 35-0.
| Jan. 9, 1862 | Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended expulsion since he had not appeared that session and was rumored to be a Confederate officer |
| Jan. 10, 1862 | Senate expelled, 35-0 |
Sen. Trusten Polk [D-MO, 1857-1863]
Polk faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jan. 9, 1862, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended expulsion since he had not appeared that session and had written public letters urging Missouri to secede. On Jan. 10, 1862, the Senate expelled him, 36-0.
| Jan. 9, 1862 | Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended expulsion since he had not appeared that session and had written public letters urging Missouri to secede |
| Jan. 10, 1862 | Senate expelled, 36-0 |
Sen. Lazarus Powell [D-KY, 1859-1865]
Powell faced an allegation of support for the Confederate rebellion. On Mar. 12, 1862, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended against expulsion. On Mar. 14, 1862, the Senate expulsion was defeated, 11-28
| Mar. 12, 1862 | Senate Committee on the Judiciary recommended against expulsion |
| Mar. 14, 1862 | Senate expulsion was defeated, 11-28 |
Sen. John Cabell Breckinridge [D-KY, 1861-1861]
Breckinridge faced an allegation of disloyalty to the union. On Dec. 4, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 36-0.
| Dec. 4, 1861 | Senate expelled, 36-0 |
Sen. James Murray Mason [D-VA, 1857-1861]
Mason faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. Robert Hunter [D-VA, 1859-1861]
Hunter faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. Thomas Clingman [D-NC, 1858-1861]
Clingman faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. Thomas Bragg [D-NC, 1859-1861]
Bragg faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. James Chesnut [D-SC, 1858-1860]
Chesnut faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. Alfred Nicholson [D-TN, 1859-1861]
Nicholson faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. William Sebastian [D-AR, 1859-1861]
Sebastian faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. Charles Mitchel [D-AR, 1861-1861]
Mitchel faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. John Hemphill [D-TX, 1859-1861]
Hemphill faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. Louis Wigfall [D-TX, 1859-1861]
Wigfall faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Jul. 11, 1861, the Senate expelled him, 32-10.
| Jul. 11, 1861 | Senate expelled, 32-10 |
Sen. Clement Claiborne Clay [D-AL, 1859-1861]
Clay faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Mar. 4, 1861, the Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession.
| Mar. 4, 1861 | Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession |
Sen. Robert Toombs [D-GA, 1859-1861]
Toombs faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Mar. 4, 1861, the Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession.
| Mar. 4, 1861 | Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession |
Sen. Jefferson Davis [D-MS, 1857-1861]
Davis faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Mar. 4, 1861, the Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession.
| Mar. 4, 1861 | Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession |
Sen. Albert Brown [D-MS, 1859-1861]
Brown faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Mar. 4, 1861, the Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession.
| Mar. 4, 1861 | Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession |
Sen. Stephen Mallory [D-FL, 1857-1861]
Mallory faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Mar. 4, 1861, the Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession.
| Mar. 4, 1861 | Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession |
Sen. Judah Benjamin [D-LA, 1859-1861]
Benjamin faced an allegation of disloyalty to the Union. On Mar. 4, 1861, the Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession.
| Mar. 4, 1861 | Senate voted to pronounce his seat vacant after he withdrew from the Senate in the wake of Secession |
Sen. Henry Rice [D-MN, 1858-1863]
Rice faced an allegation of corruption prior to Senate term. On Jun. 9, 1858, the Committee on Military Affairs and the Militia reported that while he did charge more for land he sold as agent than was recorded on receipts, that this was not disqualifying and no further action was taken.
Rep. Orsamus Matteson [R-NY20, 1857-1859]
Matteson faced an allegation of corruption during a preceding Congress. On Mar. 22, 1858, a special committee recommended no further action. On Mar. 22, 1858, the expulsion resolution was tabled, 96-69.
| Mar. 22, 1858 | Special committee recommended no further action. |
| Mar. 22, 1858 | House of Representatives Expulsion resolution was tabled, 96-69 |
Sen. Simon Cameron [R-PA, 1873-1877]
Cameron faced an allegation of election irregularities and electoral misconduct. On Mar. 9, 1857, Cameron asked for a Judiciary Committee investigation. On Mar. 13, 1857, the Senate Committee on the Judiciary dismissed the charges.
| Mar. 9, 1857 | Cameron asked for a Judiciary Committee investigation. |
| Mar. 13, 1857 | Senate Committee on the Judiciary dismissed the charges |
Rep. Francis Edwards [A-NY33, 1855-1857]
Edwards faced an allegation of accepting money for supporting legislation. On Feb. 19, 1857, a special committee recommended expulsion in the majority report. On Feb. 28, 1857, the House of Representatives expulsion resolution was tabled after his resignation.
| Feb. 19, 1857 | Special committee recommended expulsion in the majority report. |
| Feb. 28, 1857 | House of Representatives expulsion resolution was tabled after his resignation |
Rep. Orsamus Matteson [R-NY20, 1857-1859]
Matteson faced an allegation of “defam[ing] character of House” by accepting money in exchange for supporting the Minnesota land bill. On Feb. 19, 1857, a special committee recommended expulsion in the majority report, but the minority report found committee lacked jurisdiction. On Feb. 27, 1857, the House of Representatives censured him, 145-17 while the expulsion resolution was tabled. On Feb. 27, 1857, he resigned prior to House action; reelected later in 1857.
| Feb. 19, 1857 | Special committee recommended expulsion in the majority report, but the minority report found committee lacked jurisdiction. |
| Feb. 27, 1857 | House of Representatives censured him, 145-17 while the expulsion resolution was tabled |
| Feb. 27, 1857 | Resigned prior to House action; reelected later in 1857. |
Rep. William Gilbert [I-NY23, 1855-1857]
Gilbert faced an allegation of accepting money for supporting the Minnesota land bill. On Feb. 19, 1857, a special committee recommended expulsion in the majority report. On Feb. 28, 1857, in the House of Representatives the expulsion resolution was tabled after his resignation.
| Feb. 19, 1857 | Special committee recommended expulsion in the majority report. |
| Feb. 28, 1857 | House of Representatives expulsion resolution was tabled after his resignation |
Rep. William Welch [A-CT4, 1855-1857]
Welch faced an allegation of accepting money for supporting the Minnesota land bill. On Feb. 19, 1857, a special committee recommended expulsion in the majority report. On Feb. 28, 1857, the House of Representatives found insufficient evidence to expel him, 119-42.
| Feb. 19, 1857 | Special committee recommended expulsion in the majority report. |
| Feb. 28, 1857 | House of Representatives found insufficient evidence to expel, 119-42 |
Rep. Laurence Keitt [D-SC3, 1859-1861]
Keitt faced an allegation of complicity in the assault on Sumner. On Jun. 2, 1856, a select committee recommended censure in a majority report. On Jul. 15, 1856, the House of Representatives censured him, 106-96. On Jul. 16, 1856, he resigned after the vote. On Aug. 6, 1856, he was reelected.
| Jun. 2, 1856 | Select committee recommended censure in a majority report. |
| Jul. 15, 1856 | House of Representatives censured 106-96 |
| Jul. 16, 1856 | Resigned after the vote. |
| Aug. 6, 1856 | Reelected. |
Rep. Henry Edmundson [D-VA12, 1859-1861]
Edmundson faced an allegation of complicity in assault on Sumner. On Jun. 2, 1856, a select committee recommended censure in a majority report. On Jul. 15, 1856, the House of Representatives censure resolution failed, 60-136.
| Jun. 2, 1856 | Select committee recommended censure in a majority report. |
| Jul. 15, 1856 | House of Representatives censure resolution failed, 60-136 |
Rep. Preston Brooks [D-SC-1, 1857-1859]
Brooks faced an allegation of assaulting Sen. Sumner on the Senate floor after the Senate had adjourned for the day. On Jun. 2, 1856, a select committee recommended expulsion. On Jul. 14, 1856, the House of Representatives failed to expel him, 121-95. On Jul. 15, 1856, he resigned after the expulsion vote. On Aug. 1, 1856, he was re-elected to fill the vacancy he created.
| Jun. 2, 1856 | Select committee recommended expulsion. |
| Jul. 14, 1856 | House of Representatives failed to expel, 121-95 |
| Jul. 15, 1856 | Resigned after the expulsion vote. |
| Aug. 1, 1856 | Re-elected to fill the vacancy he created. |
Rep. Philemon Herbert [D-CA-1, 1855-1857]
Herbert faced an allegation of fatally shooting a hotel waiter who refused him after-hours breakfast service for which he was arrested on May 8, 1856 and imprisoned prior to trial. On May. 15, 1856, the House of Representatives tabled the resolution to refer the case to Judiciary Committee, 79-70. In Jan. 1856, he was acquitted despite ample evidence that he did indeed murder the waiter.
| May. 15, 1856 | House of Representatives tabled the resolution to refer the case to Judiciary Committee, 79-70 |
| July 1856 | Acquitted despite ample evidence that he did indeed murder the waiter. |
Rep. Thomas Benton [D-MO1, 1853-1855]
Benton faced an allegation of breach of comity on April 17, 1850 for threatening Foote. On Jun. 30, 1850, a committee recommended no further action against Benton or Foote since Foote had no intention of actually shooting and Benton had been threatening but hadn't acted.
| Jun. 30, 1850 | Committee recommended no further action against Benton or Foote since Foote had no intention of actually shooting and Benton had been threatening but hadn't acted. |
Sen. Henry Foote [D-MS, 1847-1853]
Foote faced an allegation of breach of comity on April 17, 1850 when, feeling threatened by Benton, Foote started brandishing his pistol. On Jun. 30, 1850, a committee recommended no further action against Benton or Foote since Foote had no intention of actually shooting and Benton had been threatening but hadn't acted.
| Jun. 30, 1850 | Committee recommended no further action against Benton or Foote since Foote had no intention of actually shooting and Benton had been threatening but hadn't acted. |
Sen. James Shields [D-MO, 1879-1879]
Shields faced an allegation of not yet being a United States citizen. On Mar. 15, 1849, the Senate declared the election void based on the committee's recommendation since Shields was indeed six months short of the required period for residency and naturalization.
| Mar. 15, 1849 | Senate declared the election void based on the committee's recommendation since Shields was indeed six months short of the required period for residency and naturalization |
Sen. John Clayton [I-DE, 1853-1857]
Clayton faced an allegation of disloyalty to the United States during negotiations on the boundary of Oregon Territory in newspaper articles. On Mar. 16, 1846, a committee exonerated all senators (and the Senate agreed) and expelled the newspaper from the Senate gallery after the publisher admitted he didn't know if what he printed was true or not.
| Mar. 16, 1846 | Committee exonerated all senators (and Senate agreed) and expelled the newspaper from the Senate gallery after the publisher admitted he didn't know if what he printed was true or not. |
Sen. Spencer Jarnagin [W-TN, 1843-1847]
Jarnagin faced an allegation of disloyalty to the United States during negotiations on the boundary of Oregon Territory in newspaper articles. On Mar. 16, 1846, a committee exonerated all senators (and the Senate agreed) and expelled the newspaper from the Senate gallery after the publisher admitted he didn't know if what he printed was true or not.
| Mar. 16, 1846 | Committee exonerated all senators (and Senate agreed) and expelled the newspaper from the Senate gallery after the publisher admitted he didn't know if what he printed was true or not. |
Sen. Walter Colquitt [D-GA, 1843-1849]
Colquitt faced an allegation of disloyalty to the United States during negotiations on the boundary of Oregon Territory in newspaper articles. On Mar. 16, 1846, committee exonerated all senators (and Senate agreed) and expelled the newspaper from the Senate gallery after the publisher admitted he didn't know if what he printed was true or not.
| Mar. 16, 1846 | Committee exonerated all senators (and Senate agreed) and expelled the newspaper from the Senate gallery after the publisher admitted he didn't know if what he printed was true or not. |
Sen. Benjamin Tappan [D-OH, 1839-1845]
Tappan faced an allegation of violation of injunction of secrecy regarding President Tyler's terms for an agreement on the annexation of Texas. On May. 8, 1844, when a select committee reported to the full Senate, Senator Archer submitted a resolution for expulsion. On Aug. 10, 1844, the Senate adopted a substitute resolution of censure, 38-7.
| May. 8, 1844 | When a select committee reported to the full Senate, Senator Archer submitted a resolution for expulsion. |
| Aug. 10, 1844 | Senate adopted a substitute resolution of censure, 38-7 |
Rep. Joshua Giddings [R-OH20, 1857-1859]
Giddings faced an allegation of violating House "gag rule" on slavery discussions by introducing a series of resolutions defending a slave rebellion aboard the Creole, a ship that had sailed from Virginia carrying 135 persons to be sold in New Orleans. On Mar. 22, 1842, the House of Representatives censured him, 125-69. On Mar. 22, 1842, he resigned. On May. 5, 1842, he was re-elected to fill the vacancy caused by his own resignation.
| Mar. 22, 1842 | House of Representatives censured, 125-69 |
| Mar. 22, 1842 | Resigned. |
| May. 5, 1842 | Re-elected to fill the vacancy caused by his own resignation. |
Rep. John Quincy Adams [W-MA8, 1847-1849]
Adams faced an allegation of breaching of privileges of the House by presenting a petition to the House from his constituents regarding dissolution of the Union on January 24, 1842. On Feb. 7, 1842, the House of Representatives tabled the censure resolution, 106-93.
| Feb. 7, 1842 | House of Representatives tabled the censure resolution, 106-93 |
Rep. Alexander Duncan [D-OH1, 1843-1845]
Duncan faced an allegation of violating privileges of the House by publishing remarks in a newspaper insulting to another member on February 19, 1839. On Feb. 22, 1839, the House of Representatives tabled the censure resolution.
| Feb. 22, 1839 | House of Representatives tabled the censure resolution |
Sen. John Ruggles [D-ME, 1835-1841]
Ruggles faced an allegation of corruption in using Senatorial influence to secure positive outcomes for a patent application. On Apr. 12, 1838, Ruggles effectively discredited his accuser and the committee reported that the charges should be dismissed. On Apr. 25, 1838, the Senate agreed with the committtee.
| Apr. 12, 1838 | Ruggles effectively discredited his accuser and the committee reported that the charges should be dismissed. |
| Apr. 25, 1838 | Senate agreed with the committtee |
Rep. William Graves [W-KY8, 1839-1841]
Graves faced an allegation of breach of the privileges of the House because on February 24, 1838 he killed Jonathan Cilley in a duel over words spoken in debate while Wise acted as a second. On Apr. 21, 1838, the Select Committee of Investigation recommended expulsion for Graves and censure for Wise. On May. 10, 1838, the House of Representatives tabled the expulsion resolution .
| Apr. 21, 1838 | Select Committee of Investigation recommended expulsion for Graves and censure for Wise |
| May. 10, 1838 | House of Representatives tabled the expulsion resolution |
Rep. Henry Wise [D-VA7, 1843-1845]
Wise faced an allegation of breach of the privileges of the House because Wise acted as a second on February 24, 1838 when Rep. Graves killed Rep. Cilley in a duel over words spoken in debate. On Apr. 21, 1838, the Select Committee of Investigation recommended expulsion for Graves and censure for Wise. On May. 10, 1838, the House of Representatives tabled the censure resolution.
| Apr. 21, 1838 | Select Committee of Investigation recommended expulsion for Graves and censure for Wise |
| May. 10, 1838 | House of Representatives tabled the censure resolution |
Rep. John Quincy Adams [W-MA8, 1847-1849]
Adams faced an allegation of gross disrespect on February 6, 1837 because Adams violated the House "gag rule" on slavery discussions by requesting to present a petition to the House purported to be from slaves. Adams knew a censure resolution would require debate for a vote and thus would provide a way around the gag rule. On Feb. 9, 1837, the House of Representatives withdrew the censure resolution, 21-137.
| Feb. 9, 1837 | House of Representatives withdrew the censure resolution, 21-137 |
Rep. Sherrod Williams [W-KY4, 1839-1841]
Williams faced an allegation of insulting the chair of the Committee of the Whole during debate by yelling "I shall not take my seat. You take yours!" and "I call you to order!" on July 2, 1836. On Jul. 4, 1836, the House of Representatives informally censured him, then later revoked the censure.
| Jul. 4, 1836 | House of Representatives informally censured him, then later revoked the censure |
Sen. George Poindexter [J-MS, 1830-1835]
Poindexter faced an allegation of conspiracy to assassinate President Andrew Jackson. On Feb. 23, 1835, Poindexter requested an investigation, and if the charges were proved, to be expelled from the Senate. On Mar. 2, 1835, the Senate voted 41-0 to accept the committee's recommendation to dismiss charges.
| Feb. 23, 1835 | Senate Poindexter requested an investigation, and if the charges were proved, to be expelled from the Senate. |
| Mar. 2, 1835 | Senate voted 41-0 to accept the committee's recommendation to dismiss charges |
Rep. John Quincy Adams [W-MA8, 1847-1849]
Adams faced an allegation of committing a breach of the rules of the House by refusing to vote on Stanbery censure after having his application to be excused from the vote rejected on July 11, 1832. On Jul. 12, 1832, the House of Representatives tabled the censure resolution, 89-63.
| Jul. 12, 1832 | House of Representatives tabled the censure resolution, 89-63 |
Rep. William Stanbery [A-OH8, 1831-1833]
Stanbery faced an allegation of insulting the Speaker during floor debate on July 9, 1832 by saying the House Speaker was too focused on trying to become President. On Jul. 11, 1832, the House of Representatives censured him, 92- 44.
| Jul. 11, 1832 | House of Representatives censured, 92- 44 |
Sen. Ephraim Bateman [A-NJ, 1827-1829]
Bateman faced an allegation of casting the deciding vote for himself in his election, which it was suggested was improper. On May. 22, 1828, the Senate committee recommended no further action and the Senate agreed. On Jan. 12, 1829, he resigned due to ill health and died on the 28th.
| May. 22, 1828 | Senate committee recommended no further action and the Senate agreed |
| Jan. 12, 1829 | Resigned due to ill health and died on the 28th. |
Rep. Timothy Pickering [F-MA2, 1815-1817]
Pickering faced an allegation of reading confidential documents in open Senate session on December 31, 1810 without realizing the injunction of secrecy had not been removed. On Dec. 31, 1810, the Senate introduced a resolution of censure. On Jan. 2, 1811, the Senate censured him, 20-7 In 1811, he lost the election.
| Dec. 31, 1810 | Senate introduced a resolution of censure |
| Jan. 2, 1811 | Senate censured, 20-7 |
| 1811 | Lost the election. |
Sen. John Smith [R-OH, 1803-1809]
Smith faced an allegation of involvement in Aaron Burr's plot to lead the western territories in rebellion. On Dec. 31, 1807, a commitee reported that it looked like Smith was involved, but did not recommend any specific action. On Apr. 9, 1808, the Senate expulsion failed, 19-10 (one vote short of the 2/3 majority needed). On Apr. 25, 1808, he resigned.
| Dec. 31, 1807 | Commitee reported that it looked like Smith was involved, but did not recommend any specific action. |
| Apr. 9, 1808 | Senate expulsion failed, 19-10 (one vote short of the 2/3 majority needed) |
| Apr. 25, 1808 | Resigned. |
Rep. Matthew Lyon [R-KY1, 1807-1811]
Lyon faced an allegation of violating Sedition Act on October 9, 1798 by accusing President John Adams of having a taste for excessive pomp, for which he was convicted and fined and served four months in prison while a member of the House. On Feb. 22, 1799, the House of Representatives failed to expel him, 49-45. In 1799, he was re-elected after conviction and while still in jail.
| Feb. 22, 1799 | House of Representatives failed to expel, 49-45 |
| 1799 | Re-elected after conviction and while still in jail. |
Sen. William Blount [R-TN, 1796-1797]
Blount committed disloyalty to the United States by attempting to start a war between the Creek, Cherokee, and Spain in order to transfer land to Great Britain. On Jul. 8, 1797, the Senate expelled him, 25-1 and ordered him to appear on July 10 for impeachment, which he promised to do, but did not. On Dec. 17, 1798, the Senate held an impeachment trial in the Senate and in absentia, but the resolution of impeachment failed.
Rep. Roger Griswold [F-CT-1, 1805-1807]
Griswold faced an allegation of “disorderly behavior” when, incensed that the House failed to expel Lyon for spitting tobacco juice at him in January and unsatisfied with Lyon's apology, Griswold attacked Lyon on February 15, 1798 with a cane while Lyon defended himself with a pair of fireplace tongs. On Feb. 23, 1798, the House of Representatives failed to censure either member, 47-48.
| Feb. 16, 1798 | Both members pledged to keep the peace. |
| Feb. 20, 1798 | Committee on Privileges recommended against expulsion |
| Feb. 23, 1798 | House of Representatives failed to censure either member, 47-48 |
Rep. Matthew Lyon [R-KY1, 1807-1811]
Lyon faced an allegation of “disorderly behavior” when, incensed that the House failed to expel Lyon for spitting tobacco juice at him in January and unsatisfied with Lyon's apology, Griswold attacked Lyon on February 15, 1798 with a cane while Lyon defended himself with a pair of fireplace tongs. On Feb. 23, 1798, the House of Representatives failed to censure either member, 47-48.
| Feb. 16, 1798 | Both members pledged to keep the peace. |
| Feb. 20, 1798 | Committee on Privileges recommended against expulsion |
| Feb. 23, 1798 | House of Representatives failed to censure either member, 47-48 |
Rep. Matthew Lyon [R-KY1, 1807-1811]
Lyon faced an allegation of spitting tobacco juice at Griswold on January 30, 1798. On Feb. 2, 1798, the Committee on Privileges recommended expulsion. On Feb. 1, 1798, he sent a letter of apology. On Feb. 12, 1798, the House of Representatives failed to censure him, 44-52 and failed to expel him, 52-44.
| Feb. 2, 1798 | Committee on Privileges recommended expulsion |
| Feb. 1, 1798 | Letter of apology. |
| Feb. 12, 1798 | House of Representatives failed to censure him, 44-52 and failed to expel him, 52-44 |
Sen. Humphrey Marshall [F-KY, 1795-1801]
Marshall faced an allegation of misconduct prior to serving in the Senate. On Mar. 11, 1796, having requested the investigation in order to clear his name of the informal charges of perjury, the committee reported that since there were no charges, there was nothing to investigate and the Senate should take no further action. On Mar. 22, 1796, the Senate voted 16-7 to investigate no further.
| Mar. 11, 1796 | Having requested the investigation in order to clear his name of the informal charges of perjury, the committee reported that since there were no charges, there was nothing to investigate and the Senate should take no further action. |
| Mar. 22, 1796 | Senate voted 16-7 to investigate no further |
