Following recent revelations that the U.S. Congress has for many years used taxpayer dollars to fund accused lawmakers’ sexual harassment settlements, U.S. Rep. Tom Marino (R-PA) on Tuesday introduced legislation to put a stop to the practice.
H.R. 4458 would amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to prohibit any use of public funds for payment of settlements or awards in sexual harassment claims against members of Congress.
Marino’s bill would also require the House Committee on Ethics to consider expulsion for any member of Congress who commits an act of sexual harassment. The measure is awaiting consideration by the House Committee on Administration and the Committee on Rules.
“Any form of sexual harassment in the workplace is completely unacceptable and members of Congress should not be held to a different standard,” Marino said. “As more information comes out regarding the secretive process for harassment complaints, it is clear that major changes need to be made. It is unconscionable that Congressmen and Senators have taxpayers foot the bill for their disgusting actions.”
The Office of Compliance released data on Nov. 16 showing that the federal government paid more than $17 million in awards and settlements since 1997 to resolve claims of sexual harassment as well as other workplace disputes within the legislative branch of government.
“My legislation takes a small, but important step, by ensuring that no taxpayer money can be used to settle harassment claims. This is a serious problem, and Congress must act,” Marino added.