Summary of H.Res. 1172 (119th Congress)

Overview

• Title: Providing for the expulsion of Representative Tony Gonzales from the United States House of Representatives.
• Type: House resolution
• Introduction date: April 14, 2026
• Sponsor: Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez (co-sponsor)
• Referral: Committee on Ethics
• Purpose: to expel Rep. Tony Gonzales from the U.S. House of Representatives under Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the Constitution, based on violations of the House’s Code of Official Conduct and alleged misconduct toward House staff.

Main Purpose and Intent

• The resolution asserts that Rep. Tony Gonzales violated the House Code of Official Conduct, particularly Clause 18 of Rule XXIII, which prohibits sexual relationships with House staff under a Member’s supervision and unwelcome sexual advances or conduct toward staff.
• It contends that Gonzales’ conduct demonstrates a pattern of sexual abuse/harassment, undermines the integrity of the House, and discredits the institution and public trust.
• The bill seeks to remove Gonzales from the House for these violations, arguing he is not fit to continue serving.

Key Provisions and Changes Proposed

• Expulsion: If enacted, the resolution would expel Representative Tony Gonzales from the United States House of Representatives.
• Process: The expulsion would occur pursuant to Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the Constitution, with the right for Gonzales to be heard on the House Floor before any final vote.
• Accountability: Emphasizes the House’s constitutional authority to police its members and take action commensurate with violations of its Rules and the Code of Official Conduct.
• Conduct Standards: Reinforces the expectation that Members uphold high ethical standards in both official duties and personal conduct, particularly regarding the treatment of staff.

Who/What Is Affected

• Primary subject: Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX), current member of the U.S. House.
• Institution: The U.S. House of Representatives, specifically its Ethics Committee and its enforcement of the Code of Official Conduct.
• Staff and workforce: Signals heightened attention to staff safety and protections, given alleged sexual advances and relationships with staff under a Member’s supervision.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Referral: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Ethics on April 14, 2026.
• Debate and vote: The resolution provides for debate on the House Floor, allowing Gonzales to present arguments and evidence, prior to any expulsion vote.
• Constitutional authority: Relies on Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution, which governs the expulsion of Members by the House.

Contextual Notes

• The bill cites documented incidents and public reports, including admitted past sexual conduct with a former staffer and related text-message evidence reported by news outlets.
• The resolution frames these events as violations of the Code of Official Conduct and argues that resignation or other consequences have not been pursued, necessitating expulsion to uphold institutional integrity.

If you’d like, I can add a section comparing this resolution to typical grounds for expulsion and historical precedents, or provide a brief timeline of the events cited in the bill.