The House of Representatives has voted 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 led the charge, stating 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 believes there may be more records that can be made public, saying, “I just feel like there’s something missing.” The resolution calls for both the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights and the House Ethics Committee to turn over information.

Details of the Settlements

From January 1, 1996, through December 12, 2018, the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights approved 349 awards or settlements to resolve complaints against legislative branch offices. Eighty of those cases were settled by a House or Senate office for various reasons, with seven cases leading to payments to address allegations of sexual harassment.

Following policy changes made in 2018 in response to the #MeToo movement, members can no longer use taxpayer dollars for settlements. The House Ethics Committee has not been notified of any awards or settlements related to allegations of sexual harassment by a member since the enactment of the new law.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.