Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) today supported H.R. 4924, bipartisan legislation reforming congressional sexual harassment policies to ensure survivors have fairness, constituents have transparency and taxpayers aren’t on the hook for payments of bad actors in Congress.

“I don’t care if you’re a Member of Congress, a Supreme Court Justice or the President of the United States – everyone should be held accountable for sexual harassment in our country,” DelBene said. “That’s why I supported this important legislation to ensure lawmakers can’t hide in the shadows and use taxpayer funds to get away with abuses. The American people deserve transparency and survivors deserve a fair filing process that doesn’t allow powerful figures to avoid responsibility.”

The bill makes it easier for those working in the U.S. Capitol to report sexual harassment, requires a biannual online report of offices that have settled sexual harassment claims and requires lawmakers to reimburse U.S. tax payers for any claims against them. After House passage, H.R. 4924 now heads to the Senate for a vote.

DelBene has also introduced the Stop Tax Breaks for Sexual Misconduct Act to end tax breaks that allow corporations to deduct expenses associated with instances of sexual misconduct by their employees. And she voted to require members of Congress and staff to complete anti-harassment training.

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