Congress plots a one-stop ethics overhaul

A bipartisan effort in the House led by Reps. Kat Cammack and Teresa Leger Fernández aims to overhaul how sexual misconduct and other violations are identified, investigated, and punished on Capitol Hill, including creating a centralized, trauma-informed reporting system, boosting investigative staff, and potentially codifying the Office of Congressional Conduct into law. The plan, slated for a September reveal and backed by Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, seeks stronger, faster enforcement and consistent penalties, but faces resistance over enforcement scope and the need for Senate approval amid fears of partisan overreach.