Congress Paid $550K+ in Sexual Harassment Settlements
Newly released documents reveal that taxpayers funded over $550,000 in confidential congressional sexual harassment settlements, a total exceeding initial public disclosures. The largest component of this increase is a $220,000 settlement involving former Representative Alcee Hastings, which was tied to a commission Hastings chaired. The settlements generally avoid admitting wrongdoing, citing the desire to avoid costly litigation. Crucially, policy changes enacted in 2018 mean that members of Congress can no longer use taxpayer dollars for such settlements, according to the House Ethics Committee.
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Newly released documents reveal that taxpayers funded over $550,000 in confidential congressional sexual harassment settlements, a total significantly higher than previously disclosed figures.
Scope of Taxpayer Payments
Initial reports indicated that taxpayers had covered over $300,000 for six former members of the U.S. House of Representatives or their offices. However, a review of newly surfaced documents revealed a much larger total.
The previously reported amount was supplemented by a $220,000 payment related to former Democratic Representative Alcee Hastings, who passed away in 2021.
This $220,000 settlement represents the largest known congressional sexual harassment settlement to date, nearly doubling the previously disclosed taxpayer-funded total.
Details of the Hastings Settlement
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights explained that the $220,000 payment did not fit the initial search criteria, which was limited to settlements made directly on behalf of a lawmaker's office. Instead, Hastings' settlement involved the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which he chaired at the time.
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The complaint was initially filed by an employee in 2010 but was not paid out until 2014.
The employee alleged multiple instances of sexual harassment by Hastings and subsequent retaliation for reporting the claims.
The confidential settlement included restrictions and penalties barring the employee from discussing the case, limitations not placed on the employer.
Congressional Oversight and Transparency
The documents were turned over to Congress following a subpoena issued by Republican Representative Nancy Mace, fueling ongoing efforts for greater accountability regarding misconduct allegations.
CNN reviewed over 1,000 pages of case files, including formal complaints, counsel notes, and settlement documents.
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) general counsel noted that from January 1, 1996, through December 12, 2018, the office approved 349 awards or settlements to resolve complaints against legislative branch offices.
Of these, seven cases specifically addressed allegations of sexual harassment, utilizing taxpayer money from a Treasury account that is no longer available for such payments.
Legal Implications and Policy Changes
The settlement agreements reviewed by CNN generally avoid admitting wrongdoing, instead stating the agreement was reached "to avoid the inconvenience of protracted litigation and the expense to the parties and the taxpayers of such litigation."
Restrictions: The settlement contracts detail how the office must handle questions related to the claimant’s termination.
Policy Shift: Following policy changes enacted in 2018 amid the #MeToo Movement, members of Congress can no longer rely on taxpayer funds for such settlements. The House Ethics Committee confirmed it has not been notified of any such awards since the new law took effect.
