Senator Ruben Gallego told reporters on Tuesday he had long heard whispers that Rep. Eric Swalwell was “flirty” with women but dismissed them, citing their friendship and his role as chair of Swalwell’s brief 2020 presidential bid. The confession arrived hours after Swalwell quit the House amid multiple sexual‑assault allegations, exposing a deep‑seated habit of silence on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Swalwell’s exit joins that of Rep. Tony Gonzales, who stepped down after a 2018‑era House rule violation involving a staffer who later died. Lawmakers across both parties have pressed the Ethics Committee to publish any pending harassment complaints, while the Oversight Committee issued a subpoena for taxpayer‑funded settlement records. The pressure revives debates sparked by former Rep. Jackie Speier’s 2018 harassment overhaul.

The revelations have investors watching congressional risk, as any overhaul of ethics procedures could affect lobbying revenues and compliance costs for firms dependent on federal contracts. Gallego said he will reassess “gray‑line” behavior and implement personal and office safeguards. Congress now faces a clear test: translate serious public outrage into enforceable policy rather than another episode of internal quiet.