Push to Expel Swalwell Could Touch Off Chain Reaction

“The sexual assault and misconduct allegations against Representative Eric Swalwell, Democrat of California, that have upended his gubernatorial campaign and prompted a criminal investigation have also supercharged a push in Congress to expel a group of lawmakers in both parties facing serious accusations of wrongdoing,” the New York Times reports.

“The House could move within days on a motion by Representative Anna Paulina Luna, Republican of Florida, to expel Mr. Swalwell. That could touch off a chain reaction of similar moves to purge accused offenders in both parties in a series of votes that, if successful, would not change the balance of power.”

“Mr. Swalwell brings to four the number of House members — two Democrats and two Republicans — who face possible expulsion in the coming weeks, a potentially major uptick in a very rare practice that could dominate action on the House floor at a time when the country is embroiled in a military conflict with Iran and a partial government shutdown.”