The House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a resolution to force the disclosure of records on confidential sexual harassment settlements on behalf of members of Congress. This move is part of a broader effort to increase transparency and accountability regarding sexual misconduct on Capitol Hill.
Background
GOP Rep. Thomas Massie initiated the vote, expressing his belief that documents and information previously turned over to lawmakers were insufficient. The measure was approved with 420 votes, with one GOP lawmaker voting present.
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights had already been compelled to turn over settlement documents to Congress following a subpoena from GOP Rep. Nancy Mace earlier this year. These documents revealed that taxpayers paid over half a million dollars in confidential congressional sexual harassment settlements dating back decades.
Rep. Massie stated that he wants the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights and the House Ethics Committee to clarify whether there are more records that can be turned over, saying, “I just feel like there’s something missing.” The resolution calls for both offices to turn over information, aiming to provide a more complete picture of the situation.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
