Male Democratic senators, joined by one Republican, sent a letter to Senate leaders Thursday calling for a vote on legislation that would overhaul the way Congress handles sexual harassment cases.
In solidarity with all 22 female senators, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., and his male colleagues expressed disappointment that the Senate has not followed the House in passing legislation that mandates lawmakers pay for the costs of harassment or discrimination claims filed by employees against them. Their appeal comes after a March letter to leadership signed by every female senator.
Sen Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was the only Republican to join the men of the Democratic caucus in signing the letter.
Sent Thursday by the 32 male senators, the letter echoes their female colleagues in criticizing the Senate for failing to enact reforms to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.
“We join their call for the full Senate to immediately consider legislation that would update and strengthen the policies and procedures available for those who have been impacted by sexual harassment and discrimination in Congress,” the letter states.
The letter warns that Congress “will lose all credibility in the eyes of the American public” if it does not move to protect victims of sexual harassment or discrimination.
“If we are to lead by example, the Senate must revise current law to give the victims of sexual harassment and discrimination a more coherent, transparent, and fair process to tell their stories and pursue justice without fear of personal or professional ruin,” the senators write.
The letter was sent to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Schumer was the only male Democrat not to sign the letter as he is one of the recipients. Schumer supports the House-passed harassment bill.
Senate negotiators are working on harassment legislation separately from the House.
