In the wake of disturbing instances of sexual harassment and misconduct by Members of Congress, I have supported sweeping changes to House policies to institute a zero-tolerance approach, mandate sexual harassment training, and modernize rules to better protect employees. These new rules – effective immediately – also ban taxpayer-funded settlements and require any member of Congress who is the subject of a settlement to pay it personally.
The recently-approved changes are designed to better protect staffers and victims of sexual harassment in the House. Additionally, these new rules also prohibit sexual relationships between Members and their aides, overhaul the process for investigating and resolving sexual harassment complaints by congressional employees, and establish an Employee HR Office.
Additionally, with the tragic abuse of hundreds of young women over the course of 25 years, it is clear that a culture of institutionalized abuse existed at the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Gymnastics and that others no doubt had knowledge yet turned a blind eye. The sentencing of former team doctor Larry Nassar is not the end of this story. Too many questions remain and answers are needed to prevent this from happening again.
That's why I called on House leadership and the Judiciary Committee requesting the Committee to investigate the abuse of Olympic gymnasts, and to hear from the USOC what measures it is taking to protect young athletes. I also recently helped pass a bill through the House extending mandatory reporting requirements of child abuse to national governing bodies, like USA Gymnastics.
With so many abused young women, it is clear that there existed a culture of institutionalized abuse within the USOC and at USA Gymnastics. And I believe that it is incumbent on our Committee to look into this matter as soon as possible, not just to get answers from the USOC and USA Gymnastics, but also to protect millions of young girls across America from facing this same fate. The victims deserve answers, and our future Olympic athletes deserve to know they are safe.
Roswell, GA -- Congresswoman Karen Handel announces that she will hold her first town hall meeting on Wednesday, August 30, at 7 pm EST. During this 60-minute teleconference, Congresswoman Handel will give a brief update on her first months representing Georgia's 6th District and answer questions from her constituents.
"It is an incredible honor to represent the citizens of the 6th District, and I look forward to their input and questions," said Congresswoman Handel.