Jul 26, 2024
Press
McMorris Rodgers Votes to Require Congressional Staff and Members to Undergo Yearly Sexual Harassment Training
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 29, 2017) – Today, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the House passed H.Res. 630 – Requiring each Member, officer, and employee of the House of Representatives to complete a program of training in workplace rights and responsibilities each session of each Congress, and for other purposes. This important legislation requires all Members and staff to complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress.
“I’m deeply troubled by the reports of sexual harassment on Capitol Hill and elsewhere. This behavior is unacceptable in any form, and I’m glad the House is taking steps to make sure our work environments are safe and welcoming for everyone. Thank you to Rep. Comstock for putting forward a resolution that holds Congressional workplaces to the highest of standards.”
This morning, during a press conference on Capitol Hill, Rep. McMorris Rodgers spoke in support of this resolution. You can watch her remarks here:
She said, “Like many Americans, I’m troubled by the reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior in the workplace. It’s rocking Capitol Hill as well as elsewhere around the country. This is not who we are. We can and we must do better.
“We need to take a step back to the larger issue of civility and how we treat each other in this country. There are many genuinely good people serving in Congress as the trusted representatives of the people, and we should be leading by example and we should be held to a higher standard. We must walk the talk, and at the end of the day this is about respect and a commitment to civility to everyone. Each one of us must be doing our part to lead by example and rebuild the moral fabric of our country. This is about the Golden Rule. This is about restoring trust.”
NOTE: This resolution changes the rules that govern exclusively the House of Representatives, so it will take effect immediately and does not need to go before the Senate or be signed by the President.
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