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Opinion: Rep. Jackie Speier: Don’t make taxpayers foot the bill for sexual harassment in Congress

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To the editor: I appreciate The Times Editorial Board’s attention to the ME TOO Congress Act, which will reform the way workplace misconduct cases — including sexual harassment — are handled in Congress. (“How to make sexually misbehaving politicians pay,” editorial, Dec. 13)

However, I respectfully disagree with the board’s characterization of our proposal to require members of Congress who engage in workplace misconduct to repay taxpayers for the amount of the settlement as “misguided.”

Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill while Congress gets its house in order. Based on recent reports of member misconduct, it is clear that taxpayer-funded settlements have utterly failed to discourage this appalling and illegal behavior.

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The editorial board is conflating workplace cultural change with financial exposure. This is a false choice. We can hold Congress accountable for its toxic culture while also holding members responsible for their repulsive actions.

The bill outlines specific changes to accomplish both of those goals. For example, it would cut down on repeat offenders by requiring annual public reporting of settlement amounts and the employing office of the offender.

I urge the editorial board to reconsider its support of the status quo. Hard-working taxpayers should be left off the hook for the disgraceful behavior of a few members of Congress.

Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough)

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