Congress reviews sexual harassment rules after ethics cases
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 14:02 · Archive
Congressional leaders are reviewing sexual harassment policies after a spike in ethics investigations this year.
Congressional leaders have established a task force to review sexual harassment policies on Capitol Hill following a rise in ethics investigations this year. The task force, led by Republican Rep. Kat Cammack of Florida and Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez of New Mexico, began work in spring after hearing accounts from former staffers who had previously stayed silent about misconduct.
Cammack said the findings are troubling. Victims are unclear about where to seek help, lack confidence that perpetrators will face repercussions, and are disadvantaged by reporting rules including a 180-day deadline for filing complaints. Former staffers told the task force they had remained silent because coming forward would likely end their careers.
Cammack described the current system as working to 'create a chilling effect for victims'. The task force is expected to release recommended changes after the November elections, aiming to implement them before the year ends. Three lawmakers resigned this year rather than face expulsion votes, with two cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct.
How it is being reported
- Sexual harassment rules for Congress are under review after a flurry of ethics casesLawmakers reviewing the issue of sexual harassment on Capitol Hill say they're disturbed by what they've found.Clickorlando · 24 Oct, 13:22
- Sexual harassment rules for Congress are under review after a flurry of ethics casesLawmakers reviewing the issue of sexual harassment on Capitol Hill say they're disturbed by what they've found.News4Jax · 24 Oct, 13:22
In this story: Kat Cammack · Teresa Leger Fernandez · House Ethics Committee · Capitol Hill · Congress
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