Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina says a subpoena she issued uncovered that the U.S. House has quietly paid $338,000 since 2004 to settle sexual‑harassment claims involving members of Congress. The figure, she says, represents previously undisclosed payouts used to resolve complaints against lawmakers.
Background and law change
– In 2018, then‑Rep. Jackie Speier (D‑Calif.) led a change in the law so that members of Congress — not taxpayers — would be responsible for paying settlements of sexual‑harassment claims. The change also removed provisions that had effectively protected alleged harassers, such as mandatory mediation, cooling‑off periods and routine use of nondisclosure agreements.
– Speier told The Takeout that the reform was a response to a system that protected harassers and left victims with few rights or representation. After the law passed, additional documents and reporting showed larger totals paid out to resolve workplace misconduct and sexual‑misconduct claims, and Speier has stressed the need for continued transparency and accountability.
What Speier and others say now
– Speier said that, while the 2018 law was an important step, Congress still has deeper transparency problems. She cited reports that, since the law changed, about $17 million has been paid out in various settlements related to members of Congress and their staff — a figure she used to illustrate the scope of prior and ongoing misconduct claims.
– She urged Congress to investigate why victims sometimes do not pursue claims with the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (formerly the Office of Compliance). Possible reasons include fear of retaliation, ostracism, career damage or pressure to accept nondisclosure agreements. Speier and other reformers want protections that make it safer for staff and others to come forward.
Calls for stronger enforcement
– Both Speier and some House members argue the House’s ethics and enforcement processes need reform. Speier described the current process as slow and often ineffective; she noted cases where members resign as reports are released, ending Ethics Committee jurisdiction.
– She believes stiffer consequences — including clear, enforced penalties up to expulsion for members found to have engaged in sexual harassment or related misconduct with staff — are necessary to change behavior.
What’s next
– Rep. Mace has said the subpoena she issued will produce additional documents and details. Lawmakers, ethics officials and outside advocates say they will be watching for more information and weighing next steps on transparency, enforcement and protections for victims.
Note: Figures cited here are based on statements by the lawmakers interviewed; some totals (such as the $17 million Speier referenced) aggregate various settlement reports and have been used to illustrate the magnitude of past payouts. Further documents from the subpoena and Congressional review may clarify details and timing of individual settlements.