Congressional Harassment Reform Initiative Takes Shape Amid Ethics Turmoil

A bipartisan working group, co-led by Rep. Marjorie Cammack (R-Ala.) and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.), was formed after a surge of House Ethics Committee investigations into sexual misconduct. The task force is slated to issue reform recommendations after the November elections, aiming to act before the year’s end.

Seattle Times

This year the Ethics Committee opened investigations that led to three resignations, two of them over alleged sexual misconduct, and a censure of Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) by a 413-2 House vote. Additional inquiries involve Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) and Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.). The high-profile nature of these cases intensified calls for structural change.

Seattle Times

The group is reviewing several measures: expanding the existing prohibition on romantic relationships between members and their staff to cover all congressional employees; creating a “911-style” hotline for harassment reporting; and extending the 180-day filing window—currently aligned with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s limit—to up to 300 days where state or local law permits. The 2018 law that required lawmakers to reimburse the Treasury for harassment settlements and mandated a staff advocate is also under review. Implementing any amendment to the Congressional Accountability Act would require Senate approval.

Seattle Times

Cammack described the current reporting system as a “disaster” that creates a chilling effect for victims and said the task force aims to “clean up the House.” Leger Fernandez emphasized bipartisan demand for structural reforms and framed the proposed hotline as a single-call solution for staff seeking help. Both lawmakers noted that existing rules still allow misconduct and that expanding bans and extending filing deadlines are essential steps.

Seattle Times

• “Those were some of the hardest conversations to have,” — Marjorie Cammack

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• “What was neat is on both sides of the aisle, the Democratic Women’s Caucus and the Republican Women’s Caucus were both saying there needs to be structural changes. We need to work together,” — Teresa Leger Fernandez

Seattle Times

• “If you are looking to advance your love life on Capitol Hill, you’re there for the wrong reason, in my opinion,” — Marjorie Cammack

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• “I call it a 911 for sexual harassment line that you can make one call and find out what all the alternative options might be for somebody,” — Teresa Leger Fernandez

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• “The fact that we’re still trying to insist that it is not OK to sexually abuse or harass women in 2026 is outrageous, and if you’re a woman, is so incredibly frustrating and sad,” — Teresa Leger Fernandez

Seattle Times