Rokita, DeSantis, Write Legislation to End Taxpayer-Funded Cover Up of Sexual Harassment

Press Release

Congressman Todd Rokita released the following statement after working with Congressman Ron DeSantis (FL-6) to write bipartisan legislation to help ensure justice for victims of sexual harassment and put an end to taxpayers footing the bill to cover up allegations against members of Congress:

"Americans are sick and tired of the special treatment given to members of Congress," said Congressman Rokita. "This legislation will help get justice for victims, and prevent taxpayer dollars from being used as hush money to protect the careers of politicians faced with allegations of sexual harassment. When it comes to draining the swamp, this is a great place to start."

The Rokita-DeSantis Legislation does the following:

· Prohibits the use of public funds to pay settlements or awards for sexual harassment or assault claims

· Discloses all payments previously made by the Office of Compliance on its website (the name of the victim is expressly prohibited from being disclosed)

· Requires perpetrators to reimburse the taxpayers with interest

· Prohibits non disclosure agreements as a precondition to initiate procedures to address sexual harassment or assault claims

· Permits victims of sexual harassment or assault to make public statements about their claim, regardless of any previously signed non disclosure agreement

Earlier today, the House passed a resolution by voice vote that would require all Members of Congress and their staff to undergo training for anti-harassment and anti-discrimination. This is legislation Rokita strongly supports. Along with Congressman Rokita, Congressman Banks, Brooks, Bucshon, Messer, Visclosky and Walorski are also on this bill.

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