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Arrington says expulsions should await courts and Ethics Committee, backs presumption of innocence
Summary
Rep. Jodey Arrington said allegations against members should be handled through courts and the House Ethics Committee and warned against politicizing expulsion efforts, while reiterating he does not support Rep. Eric Swalwell's policies.
When asked whether members accused of sexual assault should be expelled, Rep. Jodey Arrington said the allegations are "serious" but stressed the importance of legal protections and institutional processes.
"I believe in the presumptive innocence of every American. I believe in the Fourth Amendment, I believe in due process, of trial by jury of your peers," Arrington said, urging that courts and the House Ethics Committee be allowed to investigate and adjudicate allegations before lawmakers act.
He warned against "politiciz[ing] it" and said moving ahead of investigatory processes would be a "big mistake." Arrington added that while he disagrees with Rep. Eric Swalwell's policies and would not support his candidacy, he nonetheless supports Swalwell's right to due process "until proven guilty." He also said decisions about the future careers of members such as Rep. Tony Gonzales should be left to those individuals.
Arrington did not call for immediate expulsions or lay out any formal actions the House should take; he emphasized reliance on judicial and Ethics Committee paths to resolution.
The interview ended without indication of a pending House vote on expulsions; Arrington said he would let the legal and internal House processes determine next steps.
