Story perspectives

Taxpayers Pay $220K Settlement in Hastings Harassment Case

5/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Taxpayers funded a $220,000 settlement for former Rep. Alcee Hastings, the largest disclosed congressional sexual-harassment payout.
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights said the payment came from an account and was not reported to Congress.
Winsome Packer, who filed the 2010 complaint, says the after-tax settlement left her unable to find work.
Since the 2018 #MeToo reforms barred taxpayer-funded sexual-harassment settlements, the House Ethics Committee reports none have been reported.

1 of 1

Story summary

Taxpayers funded a $220,000 settlement for former Rep. Alcee Hastings, the largest disclosed congressional sexual-harassment payout.
The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights said the payment came from an account and was not reported to Congress.
Winsome Packer, who filed the 2010 complaint, says the after-tax settlement left her unable to find work.
Since the 2018 #MeToo reforms barred taxpayer-funded sexual-harassment settlements, the House Ethics Committee reports none have been reported.