Hill gives last congressional speech
WASHINGTON – California Rep. Katie Hill gave her last speech on the House floor Thursday after announcing her resignation would be effective Friday.
Hill, a freshman Democrat representing California’s 25th district, resigned following allegations she had an inappropriate sexual relationship with staffers.
Speaking to a near-empty chamber, Hill apologized to her supporters for mistakes she said will haunt her.
“To those who felt like I gave them hope in one of the darkest times in our nation’s history, I’m sorry,” Hill said.
Hill has denied the claim that she engaged in a sexual relationship with a congressional aide, but has acknowledged she had a relationship with a campaign staffer, apologizing and saying the relationship happened “despite my better judgment.”
The claims originated on a conservative blog last month, along with nude photos of the congresswoman. Sexual relationships between members of the House and their subordinates violate Congressional rules, and the House Ethics Committee had begun an investigation into the claim.
Hill urged other women not to be discouraged and called on them to continue running for office and “stepping up as leaders.” She recognized she bears responsibility for her actions but pointed to a culture she sees as misogynistic.
“I’m leaving now because of a double standard,” Hill said, adding, “I’m leaving, but we have men who have been credibly accused of intentional acts of sexual violence and remain in board rooms, in the Supreme Court, in this very body and worst of all in the Oval Office.”
Her speech on the floor came after the House voted to approve a resolution that establishes procedures for the next phase of the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump. Hill voted for the resolution.
Members exchanged embraces with Hill on the floor after the vote. Before Hill gave her speech, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi gave remarks to reporters and called Hill an “absolutely outstanding young public servant.”
“Regardless of any errors in judgment that anyone may have made, it’s shameful that she’s been exposed to public humiliation by way of cyber exploitation,” Pelosi said.