A bipartisan group of lawmakers is set to unveil a new bill to dramatically shake up how sexual harassment claims are handled in Washington, D.C. The bill will dramatically overhaul the Congressional Accountability Act and how sexual harassment complaints are handled.
If put into law, victims will be represented by counsel and will not have to sign nondisclosure agreements. There will also be a full investigation and no mandatory mediation. Under the old system, victims could quickly be pressured into accepting what amounted to hush money. Lawmakers will also be barred from using taxpayer office money to fund settlements.
This past autumn, the congressional season saw a wave of sexual scandals that resulted in forced retirements. Some of the biggest names in Washington, D.C., such as former Democratic senator Al Franken (Minnesota) and House Democrat John Conyers (Michigan), were forced from their seats. Lesser-known House Republican Trent Franks (Arizona) was also pushed from office for sexual harassment. Now, a bipartisan House plan is aiming to overhaul how sexual harassment cases are handled.
If put into law, victims will be represented by counsel and will not have to sign nondisclosure agreements. There will also be a full investigation and no mandatory mediation.
The shakeup couldn’t come soon enough. Congress has an ethics problem and a tendency to abuse its power. Consider the $17 million in taxpayer dollars paid as hush money to various people who filed claims against Congress. American voters and constituents have already sent a strong message to both parties: we will not tolerate abusive or exploitive individuals in office.
This past December, ruby-red Alabama refused populist figurehead Roy Moore a seat that was essentially guaranteed until numerous, collaborated accusations of sexual misconduct emerged. Congress is a hallowed hall, but one filled with immense egos and people who, quite frankly, love to abuse their power.
American voters and constituents have already sent a strong a message to both parties: we will not tolerate abusive or exploitive individuals in office. This past December, ruby-red Alabama refused populist figure head Roy Moore a seat that was essentially guaranteed until numerous, collaborated accusations of sexual misconduct emerged.
We the people need to make sure we keep up pressure on politicians in Washington. Of course, we should always be wary of false accusations made for political reasons. The wave of resignations could encourage unscrupulous people to make politically motivated accusations.
We Need to Hold DC Politicians to the Highest Moral Standards
There is a habit for politicians and other “elites” to assume that they are above the law. Remember Franken’s alleged comments about his ‘right as an entertainer’? If true, they would be the perfect example. President Trump made similar comments, stating that ‘when you’re a star … you can do anything.’ Both comments are examples of how power can produce ego.
Let’s not kid ourselves, however; the problem is far deeper than any individual.
$17 million dollars has been taken from taxpayers to settle claims against members of Congress and their staff for various forms of harassment.
Even the recent resignations only hint at the problem. $17 million has been taken from taxpayers to settle claims against members of Congress and their staff for various forms of harassment. The payments were made through the Office of Compliance. In other words, besides paying their salaries, taxpayers had to pay their sexual harassment settlements.
Clearly, there is a problem. Egos are common among politicians. We shouldn’t empower egotistical people to take positions of power in the first place. Allowing them to use their positions of power to harass and sexually assault people is even more unacceptable.