House Ethics Committee Closes Investigation into Swalwell’s Relationship with Alleged Chinese Spy

The House Ethics Committee wrapped up its two-year investigation into Representative Eric Swalwell (R., Calif.) on Tuesday, concluding that “no further action in this matter” is required.

The investigation centered around Swalwell’s relationship with Christine Fang, a Chinese national suspected of conducting intelligence operations in the U.S.

“For years MAGA GOP has falsely smeared me to silence me. Today the Bipartisan Ethics Committee closed its investigation into a volunteer on our campaign w/o finding wrongdoing,” Swalwell tweeted above an official statement addressing the matter.

“If the intent in bringing the complaint and leveling false smears was to silence me that is not going to happen. I will continue to e a voice on behalf of my constituents and a passionate defender of democracy,” the statement reads.

Committee chairman Michael Guest (R., Miss.) added that the review prompted the panel to re-caution “that Members should be conscious of the possibility that foreign governments may attempt to secure improper influence through gifts and other interactions.”

In December 2020, reporters emerged suggesting that Fang had targeted American politicians with the aim of gaining “proximity to political power.” According to Axios, the which first broke the story, Fang accomplished this primarily through “campaign fundraising, extensive networking, personal charisma, and romantic or sexual relationships with at least two Midwestern mayors.”

In particular, Fang helped fundraise for Swalwell’s 2014 reelection campaign and had placed at least one intern within the representative’s office. At the time, Swalwell downplayed the significance of his relationship with Fang.

“Rep. Swalwell, long ago, provided information about this person — whom he met more than eight years ago, and whom he hasn’t seen in nearly six years — to the FBI. To protect information that might be classified, he will not participate in your story,” his office told Axios.

After Republicans retook control of the House in January, Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R., Calif.) removed Swalwell from his House Intelligence Committee assignment, specifically citing the incident.

“One thing I said from the very beginning, Eric Swalwell cannot get a security clearance in the public sector,” the speaker pledged to Fox News in November 2022. “Why would we ever give him a security clearance and the secrets to America? So, I will not allow him to be on Intel.”

“It’s time to move on,” Swalwell said in concluding his official statement on Tuesday. “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.”