Press Releases

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) today issued the following statement regarding the House of Representatives passing the Congressional Accountability Act (H.R. 4924 and H.Res. 724), which reforms the process for responding to harassment and discrimination in Congress:

“Sexual harassment and discrimination have no place in any walk of life. And while these bills do not completely resolve the issue, they will provide for a more transparent and respectful work environment.

“As an original co-sponsor of these bills, my colleagues and I have worked to update the reporting and investigative process, provide more accountability, and hold ourselves to a higher standard on Capitol Hill.”

H.R. 4924

• Amends and updates the procedures outlined in the Congressional Accountability Act related to the consideration of harassment, discrimination and retaliation violations.
• Requires Members to repay settlements involving claims of violations, institute an automatic referral to the appropriate ethics committee for all claims involving a Member of Congress or senior staff, require the retention of records by the Office of Compliance, extend protections to unpaid staff, including interns, and requires an employee training program on an employee’s rights and protections under the Congressional Accountability Act.

H.Res. 724

• Requires offices to adopt an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policy, establish the Office of Employee Advocacy, and prohibit sexual relationships between employees and Members of Congress.