A growing scandal involving Eric Swalwell is fueling calls in Congress to pursue expulsion votes, a rare and severe step that could extend to multiple lawmakers across both parties.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to force a House vote to expel Swalwell following allegations from four women accusing him of sexual assault and harassment. Swalwell has denied the claims and said he intends to fight them, even as reports indicate a criminal investigation may be underway and his gubernatorial campaign in California has faltered.

The controversy is expanding beyond a single lawmaker. Democrats are reportedly preparing a counter-effort targeting Tony Gonzales, who has acknowledged an inappropriate relationship with a staffer and is facing an ethics inquiry. Additional scrutiny has also fallen on Cory Mills and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, both of whom are under separate investigations.

The potential for multiple expulsion votes has raised the prospect of an unprecedented bipartisan action in the House, as frustration grows among lawmakers over what some view as a backlog of unresolved misconduct allegations. Some members have indicated that addressing cases across party lines could make it politically easier to pursue removals without shifting the balance of power.

Expulsion from the House of Representatives requires a two-thirds majority vote and has historically been used sparingly. However, recent developments, including the removal of George Santos, have led some observers to believe Congress may be more willing to take such action in high-profile cases.

Congressional leadership has urged caution. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries have both emphasized the need for due process, warning against establishing a precedent of expelling members based solely on allegations rather than completed investigations.

Alternatives such as censure have been discussed, which would formally condemn misconduct without removing members from office. Still, some lawmakers argue that such measures may be insufficient given the seriousness of the accusations.

The situation comes amid already low public trust in Congress, with critics arguing that failure to act decisively could further damage confidence in the institution. As lawmakers prepare to return from recess, attention is turning to whether the House will move forward with its most severe disciplinary tool or opt for less drastic measures while investigations continue.