Political Corruption

JASON CHAFFETZ: Congress, stop protecting scandal-plagued lawmakers and clean house for good

The Constitution explicitly grants each chamber authority to discipline its members, including expulsion. There is no requirement for glacial timelines

By Jason Chaffetz Fox News

Published May 3, 2026 9:00am EDT

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House ethics probes mount as Democrat rep resigns, GOP rep faces expulsion vote

Florida Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned moments before her expulsion hearing amid ethics probes as Florida GOP Rep. Cory Mills potentially faces his own expulsion vote.

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A bumper crop of ethics allegations in the current 119th Congress is contributing to record-low approval numbers for Congress this cycle. Already, three members of Congress have resigned this term — some waiting months after credible allegations surfaced. More need to go.

Anytime you get 535 people together, somebody is going to be doing something stupid somewhere. But the public deserves faster, bolder action when their representatives behave badly. Delayed action undermines public trust. Though every American is owed due process, with elected officials in Congress, it must happen faster.

The public should not have to wait out a scandal-plagued lame-duck term. Congress must act with greater urgency when trust is broken. Voters deserve swift special elections in which they can directly choose a replacement.

Delayed action only fuels the perception that government is rigged and unresponsive.........

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