No more taxpayer dollars for sexual harassment settlements? New measure would make lawmakers foot the bill

Members of Congress accused of sexual misconduct may have to start footing the bill themselves for settlements and court judgments.

While the law currently requires taxpayer dollars to fund settlements, a bipartisan agreement has been reached in the House and the Senate over a measure aimed at curbing sexual misconduct that would hold the lawmakers liable for harassment and retaliation settlements. Members would not be held liable for discrimination settlements, though.

The House passed the legislation earlier this year, and the Senate is poised the pass the compromise measure during this Congress. The legislation is then expected to be sent back to the House as an independent measure.

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