RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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House Democrats are privately mulling whether to force a vote to expel Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) from Congress over domestic abuse allegations, which he denies.
Why it matters: While it is rare for a House member to be forcibly ousted, the mere threat of expulsion has been enough to precipitate multiple resignations this year.
One House Democrat, speaking on the condition of anonymity to offer candid insights into behind-the-scenes discussions, said they are "sure there will be" conversations this week about whether to take action.
"We have a Democratic Women's Caucus call ... but there's a little chatter, and people are pissed," the lawmaker said.
Driving the news: Miller said in a video posted to social media Sunday that he will not drop his bid for reelection and denied allegations that he abused his ex-wife, Emily Moreno, and their young daughter.
Shortly after his announcement, his ex-father-in-law, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), said in a post on X that Miller is "a danger to my daughter, and I hold my breath every minute he has custody of my granddaughter."
Moreno added: "If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives."
What they're saying: Some Democrats feel similarly, with Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) saying in a post on X , "Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle must be held to a higher standard. This kind of violent conduct is unacceptable."
Rep. Maxine Dexter (D-Ore.) wrote on X : "A robust House Ethics Committee inquiry is needed, but if Mr. Miller is guilty of such abuse, he should have the decency to resign immediately."
"He needs to resign as others have done when serious and credible accusations surface," Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) told Axios.
What we're hearing: There are some private discussions among House Democrats about whether more urgent action — such as expulsion — should be taken.
McBride said if Miller refuses to resign, "there needs to be a full and timely investigation that expeditiously leads to accountability by the full chamber."
"He should not be making decisions about people's lives in Congress," said the House Democrat who spoke to Axios anonymously.
A second House Democrat told Axios: "I feel confident there will be action on this."
Flashback: Former Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) both resigned in mid-April rather than face impending expulsion votes sparked by sexual misconduct allegations.
Swalwell has denied wrongdoing, while Gonzales admitted to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) also resigned later that month under the specter of expulsion after the House Ethics Committee found her guilty of financial misconduct, which she has denied.
Yes, but: A Democratic leadership source suggested the party's energy is primarily focused on helping Democrat Brian Poindexter unseat Miller in November rather than expelling him before then.
"Max Miller is his own enemy. Dems have one goal; beat him at the poll," the source told Axios.
A senior House Democrat told Axios that "due process" concerns make penalizing Miller a "sensitive issue."
Lawmakers also cautioned that, with the House on recess and members scattered across the country and the world, the chatter has been fragmented, and there is no real prospect of action before September.
The other side: Republicans have also raised due process concerns, with several GOP lawmakers telling Axios not to expect any immediate action from their side against Miller.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said of the allegations against Miller last month: "We have a process here, the House Ethics Committee works on those things. If allegations are made, they work through a process."
"I'm not in the business of commenting on investigations as they're in process, and we'll see how that shakes out," he added.
President Trump, asked about Miller on Monday, told reporters: "It's a very sad thing. I know Max. He's a good person ... and I'm going to let the families figure that out."
Axios' Kate Santaliz contributed reporting.
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