Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02), the founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 4924, the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act, and H. Res. 724. These pieces of legislation, co-sponsored by Kuster, create an office of employee advocacy to support victims, end mandatory cooling off and mediation periods, prevent taxpayer funded settlements for Members of Congress, and discloses Members who do settle these claims.

“This legislation is an important step in our efforts to combat sexual harassment on Capitol Hill and sends a strong message to women and men across the country that this type of behavior will not be tolerated,” said Congresswoman Kuster.  “Importantly, our legislation will take taxpayers off the hook for Congressional harassment settlements. This bipartisan legislation shows that Republicans and Democrats can work together to address sexual harassment. The issue of sexual harassment goes well beyond the Halls of Congress and I will continue to advocate for policies that will improve conditions for employees in all workplaces.”

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