Bill would require lawmakers to pay up for harassment
Source: Houston Chronicle
December 20, 2017 Updated: December 20, 2017 8:43pm
FILE - In this March 19, 2013 file photo, Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House Ethics Committee says it is continuing an investigation of Farenthold, despite a recommendation by an investigative panel that the complaint be dismissed. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) Photo: Jacquelyn Martin, STF / AP
Photo: Jacquelyn Martin, STF
WASHINGTON – Amid a wave sexual harassment allegations and settlements involving powerful men, a pair of Republicans is pushing legislation to hold lawmakers - not their constituents - responsible for victim payouts.
Pete Olson of Sugar Land teamed up with Elise Stefanik of New York on Wednesday to introduce legislation for the Responsible Settlement for Victims and Taxpayer Act, which would require lawmakers on Capitol Hill that are found guilty of harassment to reimburse the government for settlements paid out to their victims.
The act would pass the responsibility of compensating victims for their suffering from the taxpayer to the offender. For lawmakers who resign or retire, it would allow the government to dip into their retirement accounts.
The legislation comes on the back of congressional officials disclosing that taxpayers were on the hook for $174,000 in 15 settlements involving harassment or discrimination claims against House offices between 2008 and 2012.
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Read more: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Bill-would-require-lawmakers-to-pay-up-for-12446077.php
Have any Dems offered such a bill??
Photo: Jacquelyn Martin, STF
FILE - In this March 19, 2013 file photo, Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Texas is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. The House Ethics Committee says it is continuing an investigation of Farenthold, despite a recommendation by an investigative panel that the complaint be dismissed. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
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You mean WE have been paying these settlements?
