Congress reviews sexual harassment rules after surge in ethics cases

Congressional leaders have launched a task force to review sexual harassment rules on Capitol Hill following a rise in House Ethics Committee investigations.

Republican Rep. Kat Cammack (FL) began work on the task force this spring, hearing from former staffers who said they had remained silent for fear of career damage. She described the accounts as “gut‑wrenching” and said victims are unclear where to seek help and doubt that perpetrators will face consequences.

The bipartisan working group, co‑led by Cammack and Democrat Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM), says current reporting requirements, such as a 180‑day deadline for filing a claim, may deter victims. The task force aims to release recommended changes after the November 3 elections, with a view to implementing reforms before year‑end.

This year three lawmakers resigned amid sexual‑misconduct allegations, and another was censured after the Ethics Committee found persistent inappropriate conduct toward staff. Ongoing investigations involve Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA) and Rep. Cory Mills (FL), among others.

Speaker Mike Johnson (LA) has expressed support for the effort, according to Cammack.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Ramaz Bluashvili / Pexels.