Rep. Kat Cammack Says She Wouldn’t Send Her Daughter To Work On Capitol Hill, Citing A 'Culture Of Creepiness'

Florida Republican Representative Kat Cammack said she 'wouldn't feel comfortable' if her daughter worked on Capitol Hill, describing what she called a persistent 'culture of creepiness' among some members toward staff. Her comments come as a bipartisan House task force weighs proposals to ban romantic relationships between lawmakers and House staff as part of broader efforts to curb harassment and improve workplace safety in Congress.

Cammack's Comments And Context

Speaking on Capitol Hill in an interview with MeidasTouch, the 38-year-old congresswoman offered blunt advice for anyone seeking romance: 'Listen, if you're looking for love, I suggest you look elsewhere.' She referenced popular dating apps and said members should concentrate on their work rather than 'enhancing their love life.'

Florida Rep. Kat Cammack acknowledged the 'culture of creepiness' on Capitol Hill, as a bipartisan group of lawmakers works on a proposal to ban relationships between House lawmakers and staff (Reuters)

'I'm trying to think of another way to say eff-yeah without using that word, but yeah, it's a really big effing problem,' Cammack said when asked whether staffers have complained about sexual misconduct by members. 'I think that it's ridiculous that people don't recognize the power imbalance that exists here on Capitol Hill, and it's extraordinarily inappropriate if you are the member and you are trying to put the moves on your own staff.'

Cammack added that even relationships with staffers who work in other offices can be problematic, because lawmakers still 'have a tremendous influence over that Congressional staffer's career.' Framing the issue personally, she said she would not feel comfortable sending her daughter to work on the Hill 'until I feel like that has changed.'

Reform Efforts And High-Profile Cases

The debate over whether lawmakers should be allowed to date staffers — including staffers from other offices — has intensified after high-profile resignations in April. Democrat Eric Swalwell and Republican Tony Gonzales both resigned amid separate sexual misconduct allegations; Swalwell faces additional allegations of sexual assault, and Gonzales admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.

The issue of whether members of Congress should be allowed to date staffers — including staffers outside of their office — has been at the center of a debate over how to eradicate sexual harassment on the Hill. It comes after Democrat Eric Swalwell (pictured) and Republican Tony Gonzales resigned in April, over separate allegations of sexual misconduct (AFP/Getty)

House Speaker Mike Johnson said he did not believe members should be romantically involved with any House staffers, describing such relationships as unacceptable. While current House rules prohibit members from pursuing or dating their own staff, expanding those limits to include staffers across offices would likely require a revision of the House Code of Official Conduct.

Cammack, who serves on a bipartisan working group looking at reforms, told CNN the group was about '70 percent' of the way toward a list of proposals. She acknowledged challenges in crafting consequences for lawmakers who violate rules while balancing constitutional representation and accountability to constituents.

Former Rep. Tony Gonzales, from Texas, admitted to having an affair with a staffer, who later died by suicide (Getty)

Resources

If you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 in the United States. Outside the U.S., visit befrienders.org to find local helplines.

In the United Kingdom, if you are experiencing distress or struggling to cope, you can contact the Samaritans in confidence at 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to locate your nearest branch.