House unveils bill to combat Capitol Hill sexual harassment

WASHINGTON – A new bipartisan House bill would require members of Congress, as opposed to taxpayers, to pay for settling sexual harassment claims against them, the latest legislative response to the #MeToo movement that’s sparked a national debate over workplace standards of conduct.

The legislation overhauls a controversial rule that critics say has enabled harassers on Capitol Hill, helping them to avoid consequences for bad behavior. It is expected to have broad bipartisan support.

The bill was introduced by House Administration Committee chairman Gregg Harper, R- Miss. Much of its content came from a proposal by Rep. Jackie Speier, D- Calif., who has repeatedly filed legislation aimed at changing the reporting process for victims who work on Capitol Hill.

The legislation tries to make it easier for victims to report, resolve and obtain settlements by overhauling the Congressional Accountability Act. Critics have cited a process that requires long waiting periods and months of mandatory counseling and mediation. That process would be replaced under the bill.

The House also recently approved a measure to require lawmakers and their staff to undergo mandatory anti- sexual- harassment training.

Under the new bill, the Office of Compliance would have to find a reasonable cause for a claim before a hearing could be held.