Sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill: The problem that won't go away
Consider This from NPR
NPR
4.2 • 6.2K Ratings
🗓️ 13 April 2026
⏱️ 10 minutes
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Summary
Host Mary Louise Kelly speaks with PBS NewsHour Congressional Correspondent Lisa Desjardins, who reported on the patterns of abuse in Congress eight years ago. In her reporting, Desjardins spoke to former staffers who were working to change the rules around reporting and consequences.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations. |
| 0:03.5 | That is Representative Eric Swalwell of California speaking in a video message on Friday. |
| 0:10.0 | The anonymous allegations he's referring to are allegations of sexual misconduct from at least four women. |
| 0:16.4 | These allegations of sexual assault are flat, false. |
| 0:19.9 | They are absolutely false. They did not happen. |
| 0:23.0 | They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything that I have. |
| 0:26.6 | Swalwell was considered one of the top candidates in California's crowded governor's race. |
| 0:31.8 | But on Sunday, after the allegations were reported, after key backers of his campaign started to distance themselves, Swalwell suspended his campaign. |
| 0:41.9 | I do not suggest to you in any way that I'm perfect or that I'm a saint. |
| 0:46.1 | I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past. |
| 0:49.9 | But those mistakes are between me and my wife. |
| 0:52.6 | Consider this. |
| 0:53.8 | Swalwell is the latest member of Congress to be accused of sexual misconduct. |
| 0:59.1 | How common is a story like this? |
| 1:06.7 | From NPR, I'm Mary Louise Kelly. |
| 1:16.7 | Music From NPR, I'm Mary Louise Kelly. It's considered this from NPR. |
| 1:19.9 | A familiar story is playing out in Washington, a member of Congress accused of using his or her power to intimidate or pressure a staffer, |
| 1:29.7 | someone with less standing, less power. |
| 1:32.5 | The specific story this time, California Democrat Eric Swalwell, who, until last night was running for governor of California, |
| 1:40.4 | he's accused of sexual misconduct by multiple former staffers. NPR has not independently |
| 1:46.4 | confirmed these allegations. The congressman denies it. Late this afternoon, he announced, |
| 1:52.2 | in a post on X, that he was resigning his seat in Congress because, quote, it's wrong for my |
... |
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