U.S. House Would Require Members to Use Own Money to Pay for Harassment Settlements

Michigan members of the U.S. House are praising a measure that would force lawmakers to use their own funds to settle harassment complaints. The House is also banning members from having sexual relations with employees they supervise. The proposal passed the House unanimously, a rare feat in the current political climate. But Congress has been under fire to do something to improve the process of reporting and dealing with harassment on Capitol Hill.U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield) adds that the measure will ensure what she calls “the basic right…to have a workplace free from harassment or discrimination.” The requirement that members personally pay for any settlement must still be approved by the Senate.