As sexual misconduct allegations pervade the nation’s capital, Rep. Chris Stewart has introduced a new bill to amend a 1995 law that keeps confidential any harassment complaints filed against members of Congress.
The Utah Republican’s Victims’ Voice and Transparency Act, unveiled Wednesday alongside co-sponsor Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Ore., would prohibit nondisclosure agreements as a condition for a legal settlement. In opening the process for handling accusations on Capitol Hill, victims could choose whether to publicly name their alleged harassers.
“Victims of sexual misconduct deserve a voice,” Stewart said in a statement, “and the American people deserve the utmost level of transparency.