Sen. Josh Hawley discussed concerns about congressional leadership and accountability during a conversation with Fox News host Jesse Watters, focusing on past intelligence briefings, internal party dynamics, and a new legislative proposal targeting pensions for convicted lawmakers.

Hawley said he believes former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was aware of concerns involving Rep. Eric Swalwell prior to recent developments, referencing a prior FBI briefing.

“I don't have any doubt about it, Jesse, because he had become a liability,” Hawley said.

He said Pelosi had been informed about potential risks tied to Swalwell as early as 2020.

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“And you pointed out she knew all about this,” Hawley said. “She was briefed by the FBI back in 2020 that the guy was a target of a Chinese spy, Fang Fang.”

Hawley also referenced the broader situation involving the alleged spy.

“And by the way, Fang Fang probably got a medal of commendation,” he said. “That's like the worst espionage assignment in the history of the world.”

He said the situation created political risks for party leadership.

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“But Swalwell fell for it,” Hawley said. “She knew that he was a liability. She knew he was a problem.”

Hawley suggested that the situation may have been used for internal leverage before becoming public.

“She could use it as leverage until it blew up in her face,” he said. “And now he's gone.”

He then shifted to discussing a legislative proposal he said he plans to introduce addressing congressional pensions.

“And Jesse, this is why Congress needs to pass legislation,” Hawley said. “I'm introducing it today that would deny pensions to every member of Congress who's convicted of a sex offense.”

Hawley said current law allows some convicted officials to retain benefits.

“Right now, you could be convicted and still get your pension,” he said.

He described what he believes should be the outcome for those convicted of such offenses.

“The only thing the government ought to be paying for for people like Eric Swalwell is a jail cell,” Hawley said.

Watters responded by expressing support for the proposal and raising questions about internal party dynamics, including the use of leverage among political leaders.

“Yeah, that's that's got to be a voice vote,” Watters said. “That's got to be unanimous Senator.”

He then asked about how party leadership might maintain influence over members.

“Let’s say AOC,” Watters said. “We assume Nancy or Hakeem Jeffries has something on AOC. What do you think that is? And do you think they use it?”

Hawley said he believes such leverage, if it exists, would be used.

“Oh, I think they absolutely use it if they've got it,” Hawley said.

He described what he sees as a pattern of monitoring and influence within political organizations.

“And I think the way that you get it is you just monitor these people,” he said. “Just like they did with Swalwell, and you use it for leverage.”

Hawley said that dynamic helps explain party discipline.

“I mean, there's a reason that they stay in line again until they become liabilities,” he said.

He also addressed recent developments in national politics, referencing leadership decisions involving former President Joe Biden.

“And you're right about Joe Biden,” Hawley said. “Who got Joe Biden out of the presidential race.”

He attributed that outcome to Pelosi.

“Not Joe Biden, it was Nancy Pelosi once again,” Hawley said.

Hawley concluded by describing Pelosi’s influence within her party.

“I mean, she is a power player,” he said. “She has got more dirt on every member of her party than anybody else, any intelligence agency could ever hope to.”

He said he believes her influence remains significant.

“And I, for my money, I say she's still in control over there,” Hawley said.

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