House Committee on Ethics

The House Committee on Ethics is a bipartisan standing committee that enforces the House Code of Official Conduct. Unlike most House committees, it does not draft legislation. Instead, it administers and interprets ethics rules covering gifts, travel, financial disclosures, outside income, and campaign activities. The committee investigates alleged violations of House ethics rules and can recommend disciplinary actions ranging from censure to removal from committees. It also provides advisory guidance to members and staff on ethical questions before they take action.\n\nBills referred to the committee typically involve ethics-related matters, such as resolutions directing the committee to preserve records or censuring members for alleged misconduct. The committee's work flows through two main pathways: members can file complaints against other members, or the Office of Congressional Conduct can refer allegations to the committee for investigation. The committee then decides whether to investigate further, impose sanctions, or dismiss the matter.\n\nChair Michael Guest (R-MS) leads the committee, with Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA) representing the minority. The committee is uniquely structured with equal representation from both parties—five Republicans and five Democrats—and operates with a nonpartisan staff to ensure impartiality. Recent activity includes investigations into members' conduct on matters ranging from financial disclosures to campaign finance violations, as well as efforts to modernize campaign activity guidelines.