Congress The Frat House of Representatives

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Speaker Ryan needs to get his House in Order!--or let Nancy take over.

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Congress
The Frat House of Representatives

The past year in Congress has been a lowlight reel of nonstop unethical — and, in some cases, potentially illegal — behavior.

By JOHN BRESNAHAN and RACHAEL BADE

02/22/2018 05:08 AM EST
A House gallery studio is pictured. | POLITICO Illustration/iStock and John Shinkle



Crotch shots. Infidelity. Secret payoffs. Pants-less octogenarians. And the infamous “Bros Caucus.”

Welcome to the Frat House of Representatives.

The past year in Congress has been a lowlight reel of nonstop unethical — and, in some cases, potentially illegal — behavior. Three House members resigned over alleged misconduct. Four others announced they won’t seek reelection, an option they took to head off party leaders forcing them out.

Just last week, POLITICO reported that Rep. Mike Turner (R-Ohio) is threatening to depose Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) in his divorce case. Turner wants to know about Issa's relationship with Turner's estranged wife, though Issa has denied any improper behavior.

Incidents like these have become seemingly routine, which itself shows how far Congress’ ethical standards have fallen of late.

“It’s been a soap opera, but this adds another chapter,” Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) said of the Turner-Issa drama. Yoho said he’s sick of the scandals that distract from legislative business.

“Infidelity and things like that aren’t felonies, but it’s a lapse of character,” he said. “And I think we have plenty of people you have seen in the news that show a lack of character and a lack of ethics."


"This shouldn't be normal, and it's starting to feel like it is," added Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.).


The Senate hasn’t been immune. .......................

And a bribery case against Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) .....................

Yet the House of Representatives — the people’s House — has been home to the most outlandish behavior..........................[.brief summary in remaining article of characters involved]

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