Representatives are calling for public disclosure of how $17 million in taxpayer funds were used to settle workplace disputes and harassment claims.
Republican Representatives Thomas Massie (KY) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA) are leading the charge to publicly identify lawmakers who used taxpayer money to settle workplace disputes, including sexual harassment allegations. Over $17 million has been paid out for such settlements since 1997.
Massie highlighted the issue on X, stating that Congress has secretly spent over $17 million in taxpayer funds settling harassment claims and demanding the release of the names involved.
Greene echoed Massie’s call on X, advocating for the release of what she termed a “congressional sexual slush fund list.” She argued that taxpayers should not have to cover these costs or other expenses she deemed inappropriate.
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR), established in 1995, handles these settlements. Between 1997 and 2017, the OCWR disbursed over $17 million to resolve almost 300 cases encompassing sexual harassment, discrimination, and pay disputes. The office does not publicly identify those involved.
Former Representatives Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) and Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) also support releasing the names. Brooks argued that using taxpayer money to secretly cover harassment is unacceptable and advocates for personal accountability to deter such behavior. Chaffetz believes taxpayers deserve transparency.
This renewed push for transparency follows a House Ethics Committee report accusing former Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) of illegal drug use and paying for sex, including with a minor. Gaetz denies the allegations and has proposed a plan to expose those involved in harassment settlements.
The OCWR has noted that many cases involve individuals not directly employed by the House or Senate, such as Library of Congress or Capitol Police employees. Settlements outside the OCWR, such as the 2015 case involving the late Representative John Conyers (D-MI), are not included in the reported $17 million figure.