Congress task force proposes sweeping changes to sexual harassment rules

A bipartisan congressional working group is preparing to recommend significant changes to how sexual misconduct is handled on Capitol Hill, citing a surge in ethics investigations and a system that lawmakers say discourages victims from coming forward. The group, led by Rep. Kat Cammack, R-Fla., and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., stated that current reporting requirements, including a 180-day deadline for filing claims, create a chilling effect for staff who fear career-ending repercussions.

The review follows a year in which three lawmakers resigned and one was censured amid allegations of sexual misconduct. The working group has held listening sessions with staff and consulted with advocacy groups to identify structural flaws. Key proposed changes include expanding the ban on sexual relationships to all congressional staff, not just direct subordinates, and creating a centralized reporting line to streamline the complaint process.

The task force aims to release its final recommendations after the November 3 elections, with a goal of implementing changes before the end of the year. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed support for the effort, noting that previous reforms, such as the 2018 legislation requiring reimbursement for settlements, have not been sufficient to address the underlying cultural and procedural issues.

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