A California Democrat in the House is facing fresh accusations of sexual assault after he publicly described his actions involving a congressional staffer as consensual.

The House Ethics Committee announced this week that it is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez over allegations of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer. Gomez, 51, admitted to personal mistakes outside his marriage but maintained that his actions were consensual and did not violate the law or House rules.

Lawyers for one of the women interviewed by the committee disputed that account in a statement released Wednesday. They said Gomez's actions with their client amounted to sexual harassment and assault, calling it the latest example of brazen misconduct by a member of Congress.

"Contrary to Representative Gomez’s assertion in his statement, his actions were not ‘consensual in nature’ with respect to our client," the lawyers stated. They added that they expect the Ethics Committee to reach the same conclusion.

The probe stems from earlier reports that Gomez was seen kissing a younger staffer from another office at a 2023 party. The New York Post first detailed those claims in April, and CNN reported in June that the Ethics Committee had opened an inquiry. Additional allegations surfaced during the review.

Gomez has said he would not comment further while the investigation continues. His office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the new accusations.

The developments come amid a series of sexual misconduct allegations against members of Congress from both parties, prompting renewed calls for stricter oversight of workplace conduct on Capitol Hill.