WASHINGTON – Committee on House Administration Chairman Gregg Harper (R-Miss.) today held a hearing as part of the Committee’s review of the U.S. House of Representatives’ existing training, policies, and mechanisms in place to guard against and report harassment and discrimination in the congressional workplace. Chairman Harper said:

“Today’s hearing was an important next step in our extensive review of the resources available to assist our Members and staff in regard to harassment and discrimination awareness and reporting. First and foremost, there is no place for sexual harassment in our society, especially in Congress – period. One case of sexual harassment is one case too many. As Members of Congress we must hold ourselves to a higher standard – a standard that demonstrates we are worthy of the trust placed in us by our constituents and the American public.

“Our Committee appreciates the expertise and the knowledge our witnesses shared with us today as we conduct a closer review of the Congressional Accountability Act to identify and evaluate what other reforms are needed. Each addressed important aspects of necessary reforms to the Act, particularly considering employment law has changed significantly over the last twenty years.

“We will continue our extensive review, and the information and suggestions our witnesses provided us today will help to better inform us on the path forward. The Committee is reviewing all of the workplace components to address harassment and discrimination. Ultimately, we want to ensure that the reforms we put forward address the need for better education and training, make necessary updates to House policy, and implement important reforms to the Congressional Accountability Act.”

CHA