Providing for the expulsion of Representative Tony Gonzales from the United States House of Representatives.
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 1172
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Congress
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-22T13:05:37Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This resolution (H. Res. 1172) seeks to expel Representative Tony Gonzales from the U.S. House of Representatives due to alleged violations of the House's Code of Official Conduct (specifically clause 18 of rule XXIII), which prohibits members from engaging in sexual relationships with supervised House employees or making unwelcome sexual advances toward them. It cites admissions, text messages, and a pattern of behavior as bringing discredit to the House and undermining public trust.
Key Provisions
- Declares findings in multiple "Whereas" clauses detailing:
- Gonzales' service since January 3, 2021.
- His admitted sexual relationship with former staffer Regina Ann Santos-Aviles (who worked under his supervision and died by self-immolation in September 2025).
- Text messages showing unwelcome sexual advances in May 2024, including requests for explicit descriptions and photos, met with staff discomfort.
- False public denials before admitting the relationship in March 2026.
- A second former staffer's report of sexually explicit messages from Gonzales in 2020, described as "sexual bullying."
- Resolved clause: Expels Representative Tony Gonzales pursuant to Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution (House's power to punish or expel its members).
- Notes Gonzales' right to defend himself on the House floor before any vote.
- Introduced April 14, 2026, by Ms. Leger Fernandez; referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- No changes to statutes or rules; enforces existing House ethics rules (amended in 2018) and constitutional expulsion authority.
- Expulsion, if approved, would remove Gonzales without altering broader law.
Potential Impacts
- House of Representatives: Sets precedent for enforcing ethics rules on member-staff relationships; could enhance staff safety and public trust but requires a two-thirds House vote (implied by constitutional process, though not stated).
- Constituents: Triggers a vacancy in Texas's 23rd Congressional District, likely leading to a special election.
- Staff and employees: Signals stronger protections against power imbalances and harassment.
- No direct impact on government agencies, citizens broadly, or international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Representative Tony Gonzales: Subject to expulsion and loss of office.
- House staff (current and former): Particularly women staffers, as it addresses safety and harassment concerns.
- House of Representatives: Institution's reputation and self-policing authority.
- Constituents in TX-23: Loss of representation until a replacement is elected.
- Committee on Ethics: Handles initial review.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Constitutional: Invokes House's explicit power under Article I, Section 5, Clause 2 to expel members by two-thirds vote for disorderly behavior—expulsions are rare (last in 2002).
- Legal: Relies on House rules (not criminal law); evidence from public texts and admissions, but no court involvement.
- Political: Highlights internal accountability for ethics violations; could spark debate on member conduct standards, staff protections, and partisanship in discipline (resolution from one member, not leadership). Protects Gonzales' due process via floor debate.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-14: Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
- 2026-04-14: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Providing for the expulsion of Representative Tony Gonzales from the United States House of Representatives. — issued 2026-04-14 — PDF (4 pages)