House Speaker Paul Ryan said Tuesday he’s very concerned about a new report that Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., settled a wrongful dismissal complaint related to a sexual harassment allegation in 2015.
“This report is extremely troubling,” Ryan said in a statement Tuesday morning following the Monday night report.
Four former staffers for Conyers signed affidavits stating the lawmaker had repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances on female employees in his office.
The sexual harassment included caressing, touching, and rubbing women’s backs and legs in public. Conyers was also accused of using taxpayer money to fly in women who he was involved with outside of his marriage.
Ryan reiterated his announcement last week that the Committee on House Administration look into how to improve the legislative branch’s policies for preventing and responding to sexual harassment.
“A committee hearing last week examining this issue led to a new policy of mandatory training for all members and staff. Additional reforms to the system are under consideration as the committee continues its review. People who work in the House deserve and are entitled to a workplace without harassment or discrimination,” Ryan said.
Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., introduced a bill last week that would make major reforms to the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995.
