The House Ethics Committee this week ended its two-year investigation into U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Livermore) without taking any further action related to a complaint against the congressman after revelations a former campaign volunteer was later pegged as a spy from China.
The sixth-term congressman reacted with vindication in a statement Tuesday after confirming the conclusion of an internal probe by peers in both parties into allegations that have hounded Swalwell in some public circles, especially among conservative critics, since news first broke about Chinese national Fang Fang (also known as Christine Fang) in late 2020.
"It's time to move on," Swalwell said. "The bipartisan House Ethics Committee had this case for over two years. They had the power of subpoena. They received answers from me in response to requests for information. Today, they are closing this matter and did not make a finding of any wrongdoing."
The Fang case, for which Swalwell was reportedly always cooperative with FBI investigators and never accused of any criminal wrongdoing, was at the heart of Swalwell's removal from the House Intelligence Committee by new House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in January. The California Republican cited national security concerns if Swalwell remained on the committee; Swalwell countered that the ouster was strictly an act of political vengeance.
"If the intent in bringing this complaint and leveling false smears was to silence me that is not going to happen. I will continue to be a voice on behalf of my constituents and a passionate defender of democracy," Swalwell said on Tuesday.
The name Fang Fang was thrust into the national discourse after Axios released an investigative news report in December 2020 detailing allegations about the Chinese national secretly working for her country's main civilian spy agency and targeting multiple up-and-coming American politicians, including Swalwell, between 2011 and 2015.
Fang reportedly served as a volunteer on Swalwell's congressional campaign, including raising funds for his reelection effort in 2014. Axios reported that Swalwell immediately cut off ties with Fang in 2015 after investigators informed him about their concerns surrounding Fang's actions.
"Nearly 10 years ago I assisted the FBI in their counterintelligence investigation of a campaign volunteer," Swalwell said Tuesday. "The case and my assistance were briefed to Republican Speaker of the House, John Boehner, and two years later, Republican Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, reappointed me to the House Intelligence Committee. Neither Speaker questioned my actions nor politicized my cooperation."
"Despite the FBI repeatedly saying I was nothing but helpful and never accused of wrongdoing, this complaint was filed by a House Republican," Swalwell added.
The complaint led to the House Ethics Committee launching an investigation in April 2021 into whether Swalwell "may have violated House Rules, laws, or other standards of conduct in connection with your interactions with Ms. Christine Fang," according to a letter signed Monday by committee Chairman Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and Ranking Member Susan Wild (D-Penn.).
"The Committee will take no further action in this matter," Guest and Wild wrote, signaling the conclusion of the investigation into Swalwell.
"The Committee has previously reviewed allegations of improper influence by foreign agents and in doing so, cautioned that Members should be conscious of the possibility that foreign governments may attempt to secure improper influence through gifts and other interactions. We encourage you to contact the Office of House Security for any guidance on steps you can take to prevent or address such attempts," the committee leaders said.
"It is not our intention to release this letter publicly unless you make public statements regarding this matter that are inconsistent with the spirit and purpose of this letter," Guest and Wild added.
Swalwell released a copy of the letter alongside his public statement on Tuesday.
Comments
Registered user
Walnut Creek
on May 24, 2023 at 7:14 am
Registered user
on May 24, 2023 at 7:14 am
This incident may have been avoided had Mr. Swalwell's campaign staff conducted a more thorough background check on Ms. Fang.
Mr. Swalwell also used poor judgement by dating Ms. Fang who turned out to be a spy from Communist China.
What was he thinking?
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 24, 2023 at 9:33 am
Registered user
on May 24, 2023 at 9:33 am
Swalwell has other ethics and corruption issues besides just the Chinese spy. Here is a link to one of them. Web Link
Registered user
another community
on May 24, 2023 at 11:03 am
Registered user
on May 24, 2023 at 11:03 am
Then why is Eric Swalwell always being called upon to provide his 'expert' commentaries and insights on MNBC and CNN?
Registered user
Danville
on May 25, 2023 at 6:18 am
Registered user
on May 25, 2023 at 6:18 am
Congressman Swalwell is spinning it like this Chinese spy was some "campaign volunteer", to suggest he had little to no contact with her. In reality, numerous credible news agencies have reported that Swalwell, already on his second marriage, was "romantically involved" with the Chinese spy.
He was "cleared", because the Chinese spy took off, and nobody could prove what, if any, potential information she may have obtained from him.
Being "romantically involved" with a Chinese spy subjected him to blackmail and other national security concerns, and shows incredibly bad judgment by Congressman Swalwell, and not the kind of judgment that warrants him being on any important congressional committees.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 25, 2023 at 3:36 pm
Registered user
on May 25, 2023 at 3:36 pm
According to Congressman Swalwell, he and Ms. Fang never discussed issues pertaining to national security and once he was informed of her being a Chinese spy, he further distanced himself from her. There was an FBI investigation and he was cleared of any wrongdoing.
It was somewhat strange how Fang Fang aka Christine Fang) mysteriously disappeared upon being identified as a spy. Did the Chinese embassy/consulate assist in her departure?
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 26, 2023 at 2:18 am
Registered user
on May 26, 2023 at 2:18 am
Schiff is already on the radar because he lied about Trump’s association with the Russians. I hope he loses his seat in the House. Swalwell also lied about Trump’s association with the Russians. But the fact is, Swalwell’s past relationship with a Chinese spy makes him look even more stupid then Schiff. Both clowns, Schiff and Swalwell, need to be booted out of Congress.
I also find it interesting how Democrats tried in vain to remove a sitting President with lies. However, not one Democrat in Congress has ever called out Schiff or Swalwell for their lies. No wonder Congress is such a mess.
Politics = Poison
Registered user
another community
on May 26, 2023 at 8:59 am
Registered user
on May 26, 2023 at 8:59 am
Congressman Swalwell was cleared of any wrongdoing by a BIPARTISAN House Ethics Committee which indicates he has the support of both Republicans and Democrats. End of discussion.
Republicans
Chairman Michael Guest, Mississippi
David P. Joyce, Ohio
John H. Rutherford, Florida
Andrew R. Garbarino, New York
Michelle Fischbach, Minnesota
Democrats
Ranking Member Susan Wild, Pennsylvania
Veronica Escobar, Texas
Mark DeSaulnier, California
Deborah K. Ross, North Carolina
Glenn F. Ivey, Maryland
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 26, 2023 at 10:57 am
Registered user
on May 26, 2023 at 10:57 am
@Saferstein
Still can’t face the music can you? Your clown of a congressman lied to the American people and stated that he had proof Trump was a Russian agent. Where’s the proof, Saferstein? I find it interesting how so many of you Democrats side-step that FACT. Fortunately, McCarthy kicked Swalwell and Schiff off the Intelligence Committee due to their inability to tell the truth.
By the way, since both Swalwell and Schiff are attorneys, they should have been disbarred. I thought attorneys are supposed to stand for something - the truth.
One thing for sure: Your guy had relations with a Chinese spy. Trump did not. Face the reality, bruh.
Registered user
Walnut Creek
on May 26, 2023 at 12:17 pm
Registered user
on May 26, 2023 at 12:17 pm
@Malcolm Hex...if such is the case, then why didn't the Republican committee members raise their objections?
Eric Swalwell was officially cleared of any Fang-Fang complicities and is now back at work serving our nation's best interests.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 26, 2023 at 3:49 pm
Registered user
on May 26, 2023 at 3:49 pm
>>Your guy had relations with a Chinese spy.
Sorry, but the FBI said that didn't happen. Care to explain?
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 26, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Registered user
on May 26, 2023 at 5:00 pm
Your guy lied to lied to congress and the American people when he said Trump was a Russian agent. Your guy also got booted out of Intelligence Committee due to his inability to tell the truth.
Your guy also had a relationship with a Chinese spy. He may have been cleared of any wrongdoing, but he had a relationship with Fang Fang. What comes around goes around, buddy. Swalwell opened his mouth and instantly became a hypocrite.
Old TC isn't around to bail you out anymore, S. Hale. Let me know when you're ready to face facts and have an intelligent discussion about Swalwell's integrity.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 26, 2023 at 5:10 pm
Registered user
on May 26, 2023 at 5:10 pm
BTW, you might want to read the Mueller and Durham reports. I believe it was you Democrats who wanted so badly to see Mueller come back with a finding of guilty. But when that didn't happen, your party threw a tantrum and called Mueller names. You Democrats were more interested in finding Trump guilty at all costs, regardless of the FACT he was innocent.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 26, 2023 at 6:14 pm
Registered user
on May 26, 2023 at 6:14 pm
>>Your guy also had a relationship with a Chinese spy.
My guy? I'm no longer even in his district, so that is strike one. What did the FBI say before, during and after their investigation? can you please post in detail your findings and also include where 'my guy' cooperated fully.
Then do Trump.
oh, strike 3 I'm not a democrat. You are out.
Registered user
another community
on May 27, 2023 at 10:09 am
Registered user
on May 27, 2023 at 10:09 am
@Malcom Hex
I am new to this country and while I am still learning the intricacies of a game called baseball, it is my understanding that after 3 strikes a batter is OUT.
Doesn't POTUS45 already have 3 strikes against him...(1) for inciting the Jan. 6th insurrection, (2) stashing confidential government documents at his home in Florida, and (3) being found guilty in the E. Jean Carrol civil case?
I have chosen not to mention (4) Stormy Daniels because what goes on consensually behind closed doors is not our business.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 27, 2023 at 11:35 am
Registered user
on May 27, 2023 at 11:35 am
They always say "I'm not a Democrat" when the going gets rough. As far as the reports go, read them yourself. The reports are long and full of facts, unlike the lies your made.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 27, 2023 at 1:04 pm
Registered user
on May 27, 2023 at 1:04 pm
>>They always say "I'm not a Democrat" when the going gets rough
That would be like me saying all GOP are MAGA ding dongs, right?
Still waiting for your proof of your opinions you post here. Would certainly help your claims.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 28, 2023 at 1:15 pm
Registered user
on May 28, 2023 at 1:15 pm
The Republican Party is no longer the party of Lincoln and/or Reagan.
It is now the party of Trump and somewhat of a right-wing cult. Traditional Republicans like Cheney, Pence, and Romney are outnumbered by a new core element.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 28, 2023 at 5:34 pm
Registered user
on May 28, 2023 at 5:34 pm
@ S. Hale,
Proof of my opinions? I just gave you my opinion(s). Confused, are you? That's okay because as soon as you mouthed "Maga ding dongs," I knew what I was dealing with. You might want to try something original instead of riding the coattails from things that flow out of your current president's mouth. It makes you sound juvenile at best.
@ Florence
At least the Republican party wasn't associated with the KKK. You might want to factcheck the history of your party and then compare. But here, let me help you: Between 1877 and 1910 the KKK fueled Democrats’ push to establish one-party rule and Jim Crow. One party rule? Batcha didn't know that. Sounds like a prelude to communism or socialism.
Historians agree that although factions of the Democratic Party did majorly contribute to the Civil War's start and the KKK's founding, it is inaccurate to say the party is responsible for either.
Notice that's why I said the Democrats were "associated," not "responsible" for the Civil War, or the Founding of the KKK? That way, you can't come back and accuse me of saying the Democrats started the war and created the KKK. But your party was associated with both.
Facts don't lie.
Registered user
Danville
on May 29, 2023 at 8:35 am
Registered user
on May 29, 2023 at 8:35 am
Mr. Hex is correct.
'Back in the day' (pre Civil War and later) the earlier Whig and Democratic parties were pro-slavery while the Republicans advocated its abolishment.
Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest, the original leader of the KKK was a southern Democrat as was SCOTUS Chief Justice Roger Taney who opined that runaway slaves to the north were to be returned to their 'rightful' masters in the South.
The Republicans created Reconstruction of the South but this action was rescinded in 1876 when Republican nominee Rutherford B. Hayes agreed to end Reconstruction in exchange for the U.S. presidency (which he won by only 2-3 electoral votes). With this agreement, the Democrats were now able to enact Jim Crow laws in the South and torment blacks for decades.
After the 1964 Civil Rights Act many southern Dixiecrats switched
parties and became Republicans which is now the predominant party of the south. This exodus was in response to Democratic President Lyndon Johnson's support the of civil rights bill.
Given past history, to demonize all Republicans today while praising the Democrats is somewhat ironic.
They've just switched horses to get to wherever they're headed politically.
Registered user
another community
on May 29, 2023 at 9:37 am
Registered user
on May 29, 2023 at 9:37 am
In the midcentury South (1950s-60s), the organized political expression of white supremacist politics was the Democratic Party.
A number of prominent Democratic politicians — including Senate Majority Leader Robert Byrd, Supreme Court justice and Senator Hugo Black, and Mississippi governor and Senator Theodore Bilbo — were all members of the Klan.
Registered user
San Ramon
on May 29, 2023 at 11:37 am
Registered user
on May 29, 2023 at 11:37 am
@Biff
I'm glad you brought that up. If I'm not mistaken, I do believe the current tool in office was best friends with former U.S. Representative Robert Byrd, for the state of West Virginia from 1953 to 1959, and as a U.S. Senator from 1959, until his death in 2010. When Byrd passed away, Biden delivered a eulogy for Byrd on July 2, 2010.
Byrd was not a grand wizard of the Klan. He was, however, a former organizer and member of the KKK. Now, as historical facts state, Byrd renounced his membership in the KKK. However, Byrd's Klan past became an issue again when he joined with other southern Democrats to oppose the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Byrd filibustered the bill for more than 14 hours as he argued that it abrogated principles of federalism. He criticized most anti-poverty programs except for food stamps. And in 1967, HE VOTED AGAINST THE NOMINATION OF THURGOOD MARSHALL, the first black appointed to the Supreme Court. By the way, Thurgood Marshall was a Democrat just like Byrd. Looks like Byrd's KKK past stayed with him.
News sources: Reuters and Washington Post
Registered user
another community
on May 31, 2023 at 11:21 am
Registered user
on May 31, 2023 at 11:21 am
Given its past history, shouldn't the KKK be branded as a domestic terrorist group?