Committee on House Administration to hold next hearing examining Congressional Accountability Act on December 7

WASHINGTON – The House of Representatives will consider a Resolution requiring all Members and staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress. The Resolution is sponsored by Representative Barbara Comstock (VA-10), Representative Jackie Speier (CA-14), Chairman Gregg Harper (MS-3), and Ranking Member Robert Brady (PA-1). The Resolution is expected to be voted on by the full House the week of November 27, 2017.

Chairman Harper said: “Since becoming Chairman in January, I have made it a priority to improve the overall professionalism of the House of Representatives. I thank Speaker Ryan for tasking our Committee with this important review, and I am proud to sponsor this Resolution with my colleagues mandating anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training for our House community. I would especially like to commend Representative Comstock for her hard work on this issue. Instituting mandatory training is a first step in ensuring we are creating a safe and productive environment for everyone in the House.”

Ranking Member Robert Brady said: “This resolution is a good first step. There is more work to do. I will continue to work to reform the Office of Compliance and the Congressional Accountability Act. We cannot tolerate any discrimination or harassment in the workplace and we cannot have a system that protects offenders. Our employees and our constituents deserve better. I commend Representative Jackie Speier for leading the way on this issue with many good ideas to improve this process.”

Chairman Harper continued: “On Thursday, December 7, 2017, our Committee will hold a hearing to examine the Congressional Accountability Act and the protections the law offers congressional staff. The hearing will focus on ways to create a respectful reporting and settlement process, as well as discuss best practices to raise awareness in the workplace and policies.

“Lastly, while the Committee on Ethics investigates the allegations of harassment, discrimination, and misuse of official resources, our Committee will continue its extensive review to address harassment and discrimination in the congressional workplace.”

Background:
• Additional information on the Committee’s second hearing will be made available by Friday, December 1, 2017.
• On November 14, 2017, the Committee held its first hearing on Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Congressional Workplace.
• The Resolution requires all House Members, Officers, employees, including interns, detailees, and fellows, of the House of Representatives shall complete an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training program during each session of Congress.
• Each individual must complete the training within 90 days of the session. For new hires, staff must complete the training within 90 days of their hire date during the session. For the current 115th Congress, each individual shall complete the training no later than 180 days after the second session of Congress begins.
• Each individual will provide their certificate of completion to the Committee on House Administration and the training must be repeated every session of Congress.
• The Resolution tasks the Committee on House Administration with issuing regulations to ensure compliance and transparency. As part of the Committee’s extensive review, these regulations will be drafted and adopted by the Committee within 30 days of enactment of the Resolution.
• Additionally, the Resolution requires the posting of a statement of the rights and protections provided to employees of the House of Representatives under the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.

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