(Washington, DC) – The House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to reject a resolution that would have required the public release of reports related to sexual harassment and misconduct investigations involving members of Congress and their aides.
The measure failed by a vote of 357–65, with lawmakers from both major parties opposing the proposal. The resolution would have directed the House Ethics Committee to disclose records tied to investigations involving allegations of sexual harassment or misconduct by members of Congress or congressional staff.
Supporters of the resolution argued that the public has a right to know whether taxpayer dollars have been used to settle sexual harassment claims involving elected officials quietly. Critics say congressional settlements have historically been handled through confidential processes, often drawing scrutiny from watchdog groups and transparency advocates.
During debate on the measure, Anna Paulina Luna accused colleagues of shielding misconduct and preventing transparency.
“We know that members of Congress are using taxpayer dollars to pay off sexual harassment,” the member said on the House floor. “We just had a member of Congress literally sexually harass a woman that then lit herself on fire and you guys all protected him.”
The allegation referenced a recent controversy involving a member of Congress accused of harassment, though details surrounding that incident remain under dispute.
The failed resolution means the Ethics Committee will not be required to publicly release investigative reports related to sexual misconduct cases, leaving the current disclosure process largely unchanged.
The issue of congressional accountability and the use of taxpayer-funded settlements has periodically resurfaced on Capitol Hill, with critics arguing the system allows allegations to be quietly resolved without public scrutiny.
