Newly released documents reveal that taxpayers funded over $300,000 in confidential settlements related to sexual harassment allegations involving former House members. This information emerged after Republican Representative Nancy Mace successfully subpoenaed records, aiming to increase transparency regarding workplace misconduct claims within Congress.
Scope of the Investigation and Documents Reviewed
A review conducted by CNN examined over 1,000 pages of case files, including formal complaints, counsel notes, and settlement agreements. These documents shed light on allegations that certain members allegedly misused their positions to mistreat staff.
- Source of Records: The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) was compelled to turn over the settlement documents following Mace's subpoena.
- Scope: The reviewed files cover the period from January 1, 1996, through December 12, 2018.
Settlement Details and Financial Implications
According to a letter from the OCWR's general counsel, the office approved 349 awards or settlements to resolve complaints against legislative branch offices during the specified timeframe. Of these, seven cases specifically addressed allegations of sexual harassment.
- Funding Source: The payments referenced utilized taxpayer money from a Treasury account that is no longer an available option for lawmakers.
- Nature of Agreements: The general language in the reviewed settlement contracts did not require the accused office to admit wrongdoing. Instead, they stated the agreement was reached "to avoid the inconvenience of protracted litigation and the expense to the parties and the taxpayers of such litigation."