WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08) is calling for an investigation into the reports that millions of dollars may have been expended by the federal government to compensate victims of harassment in Congress:

“It’s unbelievable - and unacceptable - that elected officials have been using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment suits for years. As if the American people needed another example of politicians playing by a different set of rules, this is an affront to the hardworking taxpayers forced to foot the bill for these heinous actions. I’m calling on the House Ethics Committee to fully investigate this misuse of taxpayer funds and will work with any member of Congress to prevent this type of abuse.  Moreover, this Congress must stand with the victims of this harassment and take swift action to root out those who would sexually harass any other person, regardless of position or title.” 

Fitzpatrick is an original co-sponsor of the ME TOO Congress Act [H.R. 4396] – legislation which would set definitive criteria to address sexual harassment in all national legislative branch offices. The bipartisan bill would reform the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 procedures for investigating and resolving allegations that legislative branch employing offices violated the rights and protections provided to their employees, including protections against sexual harassment. The bill would ensure that such protected rights are extended to interns, fellows and whistleblowers in Congress. He is also a co-sponsor of the Congressional Education About Sexual Harassment Eradication Resolution that would require Members of the House, congressional staff, and other employees of the House to complete sexual harassment prevention and response training every year, and then file a certification of completion with the House Committee on Ethics.