Rep. Jackie Speier, the California Democrat who is pushing new anti-sexual harassment legislation in the House, called new allegations against Sen. Al Franken “disgusting,” and said the Senate ethics panel should investigate.
A Los Angeles radio host on Thursday accused Franken of sexually assaulting her. She posted a photo of Franken groping at her breasts while the two traveled on a 2006 USO mission.
“I think it’s disgusting,” Speier told the Washington Examiner when asked about the Franken photo.
“Here is the issue. It’s about whether you have the approval to come on to someone and unwelcome sexual advances are prohibited,” Speier said. “And I don’t care what initial you have next to your name. It should apply to everybody.”
Speier on Wednesday introduced legislation to overhaul the way Congress handles internal sexual harassment complaints. Her bill would require lawmakers to pay back the Treasury if someone in their office receives compensation for harassment, and it would require Congress to reveal the offices of lawmakers found responsible for such complaints.
Speier told the Washington Examiner she agrees with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s decision to launch an ethics investigation into the Franken matter.
“I think the investigation will be insightful,” Speier said.
Speier revealed at a House hearing on Tuesday that two sitting lawmakers, one from each party, are known to sexually harass staffers. She would not reveal their names, however, citing the privacy requests of the harassed staffers.
Speier also revealed Congress has paid $15 million to victims of harassment and discriminatory actions.
The revelations about Franken, Alabama GOP Senate candidate Roy Moore, and other newly accused public figures is a good thing, she added.
“I think this is all healthy,” Speier said. “It’s about time women are treated with respect.”
