Congress is charged with writing the laws that govern the rest of us.

But who holds lawmakers accountable when they break the rules?

Tonight, we take a closer look at a number of sitting members of Congress

facing active ethics investigations and the largely invisible, and many argue, ineffectual,

system that's designed to police them.

Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardin has that story.

Let's start with Texas Congressman Tony Gonzalez.

Of late, his seat at the Capitol is mostly empty. This, after news broke of text messages showing he had a sexual relationship

and seemed to pressure a married younger staff member.

Regina Santos Avilles died by suicide last fall.

Gonzalez adamantly denied the affair until last week, the day after the Republican primary.

I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment judgment and there was a lack of faith and I take

full responsibility for those actions.

The affair is a clear violation of House rules.

House Republicans have just a one vote majority right now.

And while a handful of them called on Gonzalez to resign, GOP leaders pushed Gonzalez

to end his reelection campaign, but to stay in the job right now.

Tony Gonzalez broke House rules.

Why not ask for him to resign?

We put out a statement today.

We'll let us speak for itself.

The independent body that looks into House misconduct reportedly launched an investigation months ago.

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