The House Ethics Committee released a statement Thursday clarifying that it does not oversee or participate in the settlement of sexual harassment claims against members of Congress. The panel's remarks come in response to a resolution passed by the House on Tuesday, introduced by Representative Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, that calls for a comprehensive list of lawmakers who have been investigated for sexual misconduct or whose cases resulted in taxpayer-funded settlements.
The committee emphasized its commitment to transparency but drew a firm line: it does not handle the lawsuits or settlements themselves. 'The Committee does not handle sexual harassment lawsuits or have any involvement in settlements of such claims,' the statement read, reiterating a position it has taken before.
Under reforms to the Congressional Accountability Act enacted in 2018, the Ethics Committee is supposed to receive automatic referrals when a member reimburses the Treasury for settlements or awards paid from a federal fund. The committee noted, however, that it has never been notified of any such reimbursements related to sexual harassment, abuse, or other sexual misconduct by a member since those changes took effect.
The panel urged the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) to comply with Massie's resolution and release any relevant settlement information. This push for transparency follows earlier efforts by Representative Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, who subpoenaed the OCWR in May for records on settlement funds. Her office subsequently reported that taxpayers had paid over $300,000 to settle claims against six former members of Congress or their staff.
The House voted overwhelmingly to release records of lawmaker sexual misconduct settlements, reflecting growing bipartisan pressure to shed light on a system critics say has long shielded abusers. The Ethics Committee's statement appears aimed at deflecting blame while still supporting the release of information.
The OCWR, which administers the settlement fund, has faced scrutiny over its handling of claims. Mace's subpoena and subsequent findings have amplified calls for reform, with some lawmakers arguing that the current process allows misconduct to be hidden behind nondisclosure agreements and taxpayer-funded payouts.
Ethics watchdogs have noted that the 2018 reforms were intended to increase accountability, but the lack of any referrals to the Ethics Committee suggests potential gaps in enforcement. The committee's statement did not address whether it would investigate why no referrals have occurred.
As the debate continues, the Massie resolution marks a step toward greater disclosure, but the Ethics Committee's limited role raises questions about who ultimately holds members accountable for misconduct that leads to settlements. The OCWR now faces pressure to produce the requested list, which could name lawmakers whose behavior cost taxpayers money.
