Murkowski Supports Congressional Harassment Policy Reform
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) issued the following statement after the Senate and House unanimously passed the Congressional Accountability Act Reform Act, legislation to overhaul how Congress handles sexual harassment claims, sending to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
“If we as members of Congress are going to change the culture of harassment nationwide, we must lead by example. I have continued to push for action on comprehensive reform, because I have been appalled at the current policies and procedures in place regarding harassment claims in Congress, not to mention reports of settlement payouts with taxpayer dollars,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud of the progress we made today. By unanimously passing legislation to overhaul how sexual harassment complaints are handled in Congress, we are strengthening our own procedures to ensure everyone has a safe and protected workplace. This legislation improves transparency and more importantly, holds perpetrators accountable.”
Background:
- In March 2018, Senator Murkowski joined her female Senate colleagues by writing a letter to Majority Leader McConnell and Senator Schumer, calling for action to reform the Congressional Accountability Act, to update and strengthen procedures available to survivors of sexual harassment and discrimination in congressional workplaces.
- In May 2018, the Senate passed S.2952, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act, sending it to the House for consideration. Senator Murkowski was an original cosponsor of the legislation that would overhaul the current reporting process for victims of harassment and discrimination, as well as require Congressional members found liable to pay settlements out of their own pocket.
