President Trump Signs Walker’s Bill to End Taxpayer-Funded Sexual Harassment Settlements into Lawhttps://walker.house.gov/media-center/pr...6IoDgEq7hPJpDNI December 22, 2018
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mark Walker (R-N.C.) today released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed S.3749, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act into law, legislation co-sponsored by Walker:
"The existence of a secret hush fund that uses taxpayer money to settle sexual misconduct from members of Congress highlights exactly why people don’t trust Washington. That’s why we are ending it. From now on, members of Congress will be held accountable for their misbehavior, just like every other American. This is a great start, but in the next Congress, I will be working to ensure more accountability for former members who continue to profit off their time in Congress, despite leaving due to such actions."
The Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act was written following multiple Committee on House Administration hearings on the matter.
As reported by USA Today:
"It holds lawmakers, including those who leave office, financially liable for settlements resulting from all types of harassment and retaliation, but doesn’t cover discrimination claims. It also eliminates mandatory counseling, mediation and the 'cooling off' period victims are currently required to wait before filing a lawsuit or requesting an administrative hearing.
"The bill requires public reporting of settlements, including identifying lawmakers who are personally liable, and extends protections to include interns, fellows and other staff."
You can read the full text of the legislation here.
