United States Congress

The House will vote on expelling two members this week, the first double expulsion attempt since Reconstruction.

Two House members announcing early departures in the same cycle isn't coincidence — it's a sign that Congress's ethics system has become so toxic that even politicians are walking away. Tony Gonzales and Eric Swalwell represent different parties but face the same calculation: why endure investigation hell when you can exit with dignity intact? The exodus reflects a deeper problem with how Washington handles misconduct. The ethics process has become political theatre, not accountability, making departure more attractive than defence.