Congress is supposed to police its own ethics. Here’s why it falls short.; The Washington Post, April 23, 2026

 Karen Tumulty, The Washington Post; Congress is supposed to police its own ethics. Here’s why it falls short.

"The U.S. Constitution could hardly be clearer about how unethical behavior on the part of members of Congress should be handled.

“Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member,” Article 1, Section 5 stipulates.

In other words, it’s up to the House and the Senate to police themselves.

That system’s effectiveness and shortcomings have been on stark display the past few weeks, which have seen three members of the House resign, rather than face the possibility of being kicked out."