The House is poised to consider expelling Representative Eric Swalwell within days after sexual assault allegations triggered a criminal investigation. Republican Representative Anna Paulina Luna plans to file the motion, potentially sparking a chain reaction that could see four lawmakers removed in the coming weeks.

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces expulsion over a $5 million embezzlement case involving federal disaster funds, with the House Ethics Committee set to recommend removal. Representative Tony Gonzales admitted to a sexual relationship with a staff member who later died by suicide, while a second staffer accused him of pressuring her into a relationship. Representative Cory Mills faces assault allegations and a protective order from a former girlfriend.

This unprecedented wave of expulsion votes tests congressional norms at a volatile moment, with the nation grappling with military conflict in Iran and a partial government shutdown. While expulsion requires a two-thirds majority and has only occurred six times in 237 years, lawmakers face mounting pressure to act against corruption allegations that could otherwise appear to go unchecked.