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Bill

HRES 1443

Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit Members of the House from entering inappropriate relationships with House employees.

119th Congress Introduced by Jeff Crank and 1 co-sponsor

Prohibits Members from engaging in inappropriate relationships with House employees to prevent conflicts of interest and protect staff, with enforcement by the Ethics Committee.

Submitted in House
0
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Bill Summary · HRES 1443

Summary of HRES 1443 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

  • HRES 1443 seeks to amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to address inappropriate relationships between Members of the House and House employees.
  • The overarching goal is to establish clearer rules and consequences to prevent conduct that could create conflicts of interest, undermine the integrity of the House, or create a hostile or unsafe work environment for staff.

Key provisions and changes

  • The resolution would modify House rules to prohibit Members from engaging in inappropriate relationships with House employees. While the exact statutory language is not provided here, typical elements in similar reforms include:
    • A prohibition or strict limitations on romantic or sexual relationships between Members and staff within certain supervisory or evaluative contexts (e.g., relationships between Members and staff who report to them or have direct professional interaction).
    • Requirements for training, reporting, or disclosures related to relationships that could create conflicts of interest or perceptions of coercion.
    • Clarified definitions of what constitutes an “inappropriate relationship” or a conflict-of-interest scenario within the House workplace.
    • Potential disciplinary or enforcement mechanisms (e.g., referral to the House Ethics Committee, penalties, or disciplinary actions) for violations.
  • The bill is framed as an institutional reform aimed at strengthening ethics standards and protecting staff from harassment, pressure, or retaliation.

Who would be affected

  • Members of the House of Representatives would be bound by the new rules prohibiting inappropriate relationships with House employees.
  • House employees, including staff members and possibly interns or fellows, would be protected by clearer standards and reporting channels.
  • The House Ethics Committee would likely gain a role in enforcement, investigations, and sanctions for violations.
  • Office personnel and leadership would need to ensure supervisory practices and workplace policies align with the amended rules.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ethics on July 21, 2026, and submitted in the House on the same date.
  • As a House resolution, it would typically be considered within the rules and procedures of the House, potentially moving through committee review, debate, and floor consideration if reported out.
  • Being a resolution (and not a bill to create new law), it would amend internal House rules rather than statute, affecting internal conduct standards and disciplinary processes.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Strengthened accountability: By codifying restrictions on relationships between Members and staff, the measure aims to reduce perceived or actual favoritism, coercion, or improper influence.
  • Workplace safety and culture: Clear prohibitions can contribute to a safer, more respectful work environment for employees.
  • Enforcement questions: As with many ethics reforms, the effectiveness will depend on the specifics of enforcement, including how “inappropriate relationship” is defined, what evidentiary standards apply, and what sanctions are available.
  • Reception and implementation: Members and staff would need to understand and comply with the new rules, and offices may require updated training and policy updates.

Note: The summary reflects the information available from the bill’s basic description and action history. If the full text of HRES 1443 becomes available, a more precise outline of definitions, prohibited conduct, enforcement procedures, and penalties can be provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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