The U.S. House of Representatives will vote this week on a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) to require anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training for all congressional employees, including elected members of Congress.
“Recent cases of sexual harassment both within Congress, and outside in other industries, make clear that we need increased efforts to provide zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment in Congress,” Comstock said. “This bipartisan resolution is a first step and more will still be done.”
According to House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, the House is expected to vote on the bill on Wednesday.
The resolution requires that the training be taken within 90 days of the Congressional session. Newly hired employees must complete it within 90 days of their hire date during the session. Training must be repeated in each new Congressional session. Employees would be required to provide their training-completion certificate to the Committee on House Administration.
“This resolution reforms House rules so that staff, interns, and fellows have the necessary protections if they face sexual harassment or discrimination in the Congressional workplace,” Comstock said. “This resolution will also put in the proper protocols and training so that both staff and members are fully trained on anti-sexual harassment and anti-discrimination procedures.”
The measure also requires that a statement be posted on the rights and protections afforded to all House employees under the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) of 1995. Comstock serves on the Committee on House Administration, which will hold a hearing on Dec. 7 to examine the CAA and consider best practices in workplace sexual harassment prevention.
Committee on House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper (R-MS), Committee Ranking Member Robert Brady (D-PA) and Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA) joined Comstock in introducing the measure.
Comstock praised Harper for working in a bipartisan manner on the resolution. “Fostering a safe and healthy work environment in the House of Representatives is a priority for the Committee. Going forward we also will be working on additional legislation that will bring more accountability and transparency in cases of sexual harassment,” Comstock added.