Attorneys for an unnamed woman stated that their client informed the House Ethics Committee she was sexually assaulted by Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA). The claim was made public as the bipartisan committee announced an investigation into allegations that the congressman engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.
The investigation follows an announcement by the House Ethics Committee on Monday regarding the probe. Rep. Gomez responded by acknowledging he made personal mistakes outside of his marriage but characterized his actions as consensual. The committee is composed of an equal number of members from both parties and investigates potential violations of House rules.
Attorneys Lisa J. Banks and Sarah E. Nesbitt, representing the woman, disputed the congressman's characterization of the events. In a statement, they said their client's experience involved sexual harassment and assault, and they rejected the assertion that the actions were consensual. Rep. Gomez stated he would cooperate with the inquiry and provide the committee with necessary information but declined further comment out of respect for his family and the process.
The case coincides with a proposed legislative overhaul of the chamber's ethics rules. A House proposal currently under consideration would expand the existing ban on sexual relationships between lawmakers and their direct subordinates to include all congressional staffers, regardless of supervision. A staffer in this environment would notice a change in legal protections and workplace regulations, as the new rules would establish a blanket prohibition on such conduct across the entire legislative branch.
The precedent set by this investigation could influence how the House Ethics Committee handles future claims of non-consensual contact involving staffers and lawmakers. The committee stated on Monday that no further public comments will be made while the investigation is ongoing, in accordance with its rules. The House is expected to consider the new ethics legislation in the near future, though a specific date for a vote has not been reported. Rep. Gomez remains in office as the inquiry continues.