House Approves Measure to Disclose Sexual Harassment Settlement Records

The House of Representatives approved a resolution on June 30, 2026, that mandates the disclosure of records related to sexual harassment settlements funded by taxpayers. Introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., the resolution requires the House Ethics Committee to preserve and publicly release information regarding monetary settlements involving sexual misconduct. Massie highlighted that previous reporting requirements enacted in 2018 may not have ensured transparency regarding taxpayer-funded settlements. He noted that there have been no reported cases of lawmakers repaying such settlements since that time. The resolution directs the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights to report publicly on sexual misconduct cases involving lawmakers and their staff that resulted in taxpayer-funded settlements, including the total amounts spent. The final vote was 420-0-1, with Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., voting 'present' and criticizing the vote as political theater. Mace previously revealed that the federal government had paid over $330,000 to settle sexual harassment claims since the early 2000s. Ten lawmakers did not vote due to the upcoming July 4 recess.