Jul 9, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Watchdog to file investigation into allegations against Jim Jordan

Marisa Fernandez

Jim Jordan sitting. — Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH). Photo: Michael Brochstein/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

A request was filed Monday with the Office of Congressional Ethics to investigate the accusations that Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) ignored sexual abuse while assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University.

The big picture: Though Jordan denies the allegations, Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer and former White House chief ethics lawyer Norman Eisen, said they feel that Jordan's alleged negligence breaks the House of Representatives code of conduct. The rule states house members should conduct themselves “at all times in a manner which shall reflect creditably on the House of Representatives.”

What they're saying:

"This is a very serious matter that directly reflects on the integrity of the House of Representatives as an institution and on the credibility of its Members. If it is determined that Rep. Jordan is lying to cover up his failure to protect student wrestlers under his supervision from sexual abuses, the House must hold Rep. Jordan accountable for his lies."

— Former White House chief ethics lawyer Norman Eisen writes in the request

"Conversations in a locker room are a lot different than people coming up and talking about abuse. No one ever reported any abuse to me. If they had, I would have dealt with it what bothers me the most guys saying these things I know they know the truth. I know they do."

— Rep. Jim Jordan, in an interview with Fox News

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Watchdog to file investigation into allegations against Jim Jordan

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