Now, thanks to a new bill, members of Congress could be required to pay their own settlements to sexual harassment victims. This is a big step forward in terms of how we handle accusers, who far too often get off with lenient fines or, worse, no fines or sentences at all.
Full Answer
How much does the Office of compliance pay for sexual harassment?
It is unclear how much of the $17 million is money paid to sexual harassment cases because of the Office of Compliance’s complex reporting process.
What do 260 sexual harassment settlements mean?
It’s not clear. Speier told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on Wednesday that the 260 settlements represent those related to all kinds of complaints, including sexual harassment as well as racial, religious or disability-related discrimination complaints.
Why is the Office of the OOC releasing more sexual harassment data?
That includes all settlements, not just related to sexual harassment, but also discrimination and other cases. An OOC spokeswoman said the office was releasing the extra data “due to the interest in the awards and settlement figures.”
How many harassment claims settle after mediation?
However, even knowing that dollar figure doesn’t quantify the problem: a source within the Office of Compliance tells CNN that between 40 and 50% of harassment claims settle after mediation – an early stage in the multi-tiered reporting process.
Why did Congress step down?
A handful of members of Congress have stepped down or retired this year as a result of sexual harassment and misconduct allegations . In recent years, Congress has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds spent to settle sexual harassment claims.
Does Congress have to do anti-harassment training?
Congress has already made a number of changes to policy this year to address concerns about sexual assault and workplace harassment, including requiring mandatory anti-harassment training for members, staff, interns and congressional fellows in each session of Congress.
What is the Congressional agreement on sexual harassment?
Congressional negotiators have reached an agreement to overhaul the system for handling accusations of sexual misconduct against members, including a requirement that members pay out of pocket for some settlements and court judgments. "For too long, victims of sexual harassment in Congress have been forced into a process ...
Who would be responsible for making initial payments to victims?
The Treasury Department would still be responsible for making initial payments to victims in order to ensure there are no delays, the aides said. Members would then be required to repay the government on a set schedule.
Who is the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee?
Senate rules committee Chairman Roy Blunt, R-Mo., the chief GOP negotiator in the Senate, says he expects the bill will pass the Senate this week to ensure staffers are better-protected when a new Congress begins in January. "We'll do it as quickly as we can," Blunt said.
Does Congress pay out of pocket for sexual harassment?
Congress To Make Members Pay Out Of Pocket For Sexual Harassment Settlements. After months of gridlock, lawmakers have reached a deal on a bill overhauling how Congress handles sexual harassment claims. After months of gridlock, lawmakers have reached a deal on a bill overhauling how Congress handles sexual harassment claims.
How much money has Congress paid for sexual assaults?
Congress has a slush fund, made up of tax dollars, that is used to pay off & silence their alleged sexual assaults and affairs. To date, over 200 million dollars in 200 settlements have been paid since 1998.
Who is the former chairman of the Committee on House Administration?
In November 2017, Gregg Harper, former chairman of the Committee on House Administration, requested that the OOC provide statistics on settlements and awards involving House-led offices, including those relating to sexual harassment.
Did the DC list sexual harassment cases?
TheDC was given the same explanation as to why a separate compilation of settlements and awards involving Senate-led offices did not list any cases of sexual harassment.
Why did Farenthold leave Congress?
Farenthold left Congress in April, several months after Politico reported he settled a sexual harassment lawsuit with taxpayer funds. He denied wrongdoing, but pledged to pay the money back.
Does Congress pay for sexual harassment?
Congress passes bill to make members pay sexual misconduct claims. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers on Thursday passed legislation to crack down on sexual harassment by members of Congress, requiring lawmakers to pay for settlements and some court awards themselves, instead of depending on public funds.
