Steve Burns
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – (WMAL) At a hearing Tuesday to review the House’s sexual harassment training and reporting practices, two D.C.-area representatives gave clear indications that sexual misconduct is a prevalent issue on the Hill, just as it has been revealed in the media industry.
Virginia Congresswoman Barbara Comstock relayed a story she said she was told by a trusted person of a young female staffer told to deliver materials to a sitting Congressman’s house.
“The young staffer, it was a young woman, went there, and was greeted with a member in a towel. It was a male, who then invited her in,” Comstock said. “At that point, he decided to expose himself. She left, and then she quit her job.”
Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin spoke in more general terms, referencing a recent conversation he had with his Chief of Staff.
“(She) says she does not know a single woman in her age group who has not experienced inappropriate conduct in the workplace,” Raskin testified.
Comstock later asked Office of House Employment Counsel Gloria Lett if there were specific rules prohibiting members from having a sexual relationship with a younger staffer.
“I’m not aware of anything that says that specifically,” Lett responded, however she said a Code of Conduct provision saying members and staff should “conduct themselves in a manner of all times that reflects credibly upon the House” may be relevant.
Comstock then referenced an episode of the television comedy Seinfeld, in which George Costanza was fired after getting caught having sex with a coworker. Costanza pleaded ignorance, saying he didn’t know it wasn’t allowed.
“I think that’s something we do need to make clear…wouldn’t you agree it creates a hostile work environment?” Comstock asked Lett.
“No question about it,” she responded.
Raskin said it would be “naive” to think sexual harassment wasn’t a problem on Capitol Hill as well.
“As businesses across the country face their responsibilities for creating harassment-free workplaces, we must do our own part and lead by example in the public sector.”
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