Congresswomen Launch Bipartisan Task Force on Sexual Misconduct After Recent Lawmaker Resignations

Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) and Kat Cammack (R-FL) are set to launch a bipartisan task force to combat sexual misconduct following a series of scandals and ethics complaints this Congress. The initiative comes after Rep.

Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) resigned last month over allegations of making sexual advances toward staffers. Swalwell has denied wrongdoing. Leger Fernandez, chairwoman of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, and Cammack, chairwoman of the Republican Women’s Caucus, pledged to work together on the issue after deeming current anti-sexual harassment training inadequate.

Washington Examiner reported that NOTUS first reported the duo’s decision to team up. The goal of the task force is to revamp how the lower chamber handles allegations of misconduct. ” “It doesn’t explain not only what you’re not supposed to do, but why you’re not supposed to do that,” Leger Fernandez said.

Other lawmakers have also discussed revamping the House Ethics Committee’s procedure for investigating allegations of wrongdoing. Last month, Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Josh Brecheen (R-OK) introduced legislation requiring any member of Congress who uses taxpayer money to settle misconduct lawsuits to be exposed publicly to the entire House.

“This type of good governance legislation ensures that members who are found personally liable and use taxpayer dollars to settle a lawsuit cannot hide their actions,” Bice said. ” The Washington Examiner reached out to Cammack and Leger Fernandez’s offices for comment.