Thanks to the leadership of Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, pressure is growing to unmask the beneficiaries of more than $17 million in taxpayer-funded payments to settle harassment claims leveled against US Capitol officials and offices. In his latest move, a Massie social media post on Thursday prompted a chorus of support from from Marjorie Taylor Green along with former GOP House members.
“Congress has secretly paid out more than $17 million of your money to quietly settle charges of harassment (sexual and other forms) in Congressional offices,” Massie posted on Thursday. “Don’t you think we should release the names of the Representatives? I do.”
Georgia Rep. Green quickly voiced her support, saying, “Yes. I want to release the congressional sexual slush fund list. Tax payers should have never had to pay for that.” Former Rep. Mo Brooks jumped in, saying “Massie is spot on – taxpayer [money] must NEVER be used to SECRETLY bail out sexual (& other) harassers. A Capitol Hill harassing supervisor should foot the bill. THAT stops harassment!” Former Rep. Jason Chaffetz also boosted the idea, writing “Taxpayers deserve to know.”
The controversial payouts are made by the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights. Between 1997 and 2017 alone, the little-known office facilitated 260 settlements and more than $17 million in payouts. Given that number is more than seven years old, it’s safe to say the real grand total is significantly higher. Despite its name, the office’s payouts also encompass complaints from workers outside the House and Senate, including the Library of Congress and the Capitol police.
This isn’t the first time Massie has put a spotlight on the use of taxpayer money to settle harassment claims against members of Congress and their staffs. In June, the libertarian-minded Kentucky representative earnestly brought the topic up in a House Judiciary Committee hearing, as he questioned Federal Election Commission leader Trey Trainor:
A slush fund for sexual misconduct pay off is outrageous. This program for congress has been swept under the rug for years. It certainly is time for those using this fund to be exposed. I know it would change my perspective at the voting booth.