SWALWELL Act Aims to Deliver a ‘Blow’ to DC ‘Culture of Corruption’

Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., introduced legislation on Wednesday he says would end what he calls Washington’s “culture of corruption, secrecy, and self-protection.”

The Stopping Wasteful Allowances for Lawmaker Wrongdoing and Ensuring Legal Liability Act would prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to settle sexual harassment and other misconduct claims involving members of Congress and senior staff.

“For decades, the swamp in Washington, D.C., has protected its own—letting corrupt politicians bury misconduct behind closed doors while sticking taxpayers with the bill,” Gosar wrote in a press release. “That ends now. If a member of Congress or professional staff breaks the law or abuses their position, they should pay the price themselves, not the American people, and not in secret.”

Gosar introduced the bill after Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., was accused by multiple former staffers of sexual harassment, and one instance, rape. Critics have accused the Congressional environment of shielding Swalwell from his allegations.

The measure is cosponsored by Reps. Andy Biggs of Arizona, Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Tim Burchett of Tennessee, Buddy Carter of Georgia, Randy Fine of Florida, and Anna Paulina Luna of Florida. It would eliminate what critics have described as a congressional “slush fund” used to resolve misconduct claims with public money.

Under the bill, lawmakers and certain congressional staff would be required to certify under oath that they did not use taxpayer funds to settle claims. The legislation would bar the use of federal dollars for such settlements and require those found liable to pay all costs out of pocket, with no reimbursements, campaign funds, or pass-throughs.

In February, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., introduced a similar effort, which would have ended the taxpayer “slush fund.” Her effort overwhelmingly failed.

Gosar’s proposal would also create a public, searchable database listing lawmakers and staff who settled claims or were found liable, including the amount paid and the nature of the misconduct, while maintaining protections for victims. In addition, the bill would disclose all taxpayer funded settlements dating back to 1995.

The legislation further requires that allegations involving potential criminal conduct be referred directly to the Department of Justice, prohibiting nondisclosure agreements or internal resolutions that prevent referral. Those who attempt to circumvent the law would face enhanced penalties, including double damages and mandatory ethics investigations enforced by the attorney general.

“This is about ending the two-tiered system in Washington, D.C., where politicians play by their own rules,” Gosar said. “The SWALWELL Act restores accountability, enforces transparency, and makes it clear: If you betray the public trust, you will be exposed, and you will pay for it.”