Skip to content

Anti-Harassment Training Mandated for House Members, Staffs

Paul Ryan makes announcement after two lawmakers recount incidents of sexual harassment

Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)
Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call file photo)

House members and their staffs will now be required to take mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training.

Speaker Paul D. Ryan made the announcement Tuesday afternoon, on the same day that Reps. Jackie Speier, a California Democrat, and Barbara Comstock, a Virginia Republican, recounted at a House Administration Committee hearing incidents of sexual harassment involving lawmakers.

“Today’s hearing was another important step in our efforts to combat sexual harassment and ensure a safe workplace. I want to especially thank my colleagues who shared their stories,” Ryan said in a statement. “Going forward, the House will adopt a policy of mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training for all members and staff.”

Watch: Comstock Tells Sexual Misconduct Story About Current Member

Loading the player...

The goal, he said, “is not only to raise awareness, but also make abundantly clear that harassment in any form has no place in this institution.”

“As we work with the Administration, Ethics, and Rules committees to implement mandatory training, we will continue our review to make sure the right policies and resources are in place to prevent and report harassment,” Ryan said.  

Recent Stories

Congress weighs proposals to renew key surveillance authority as deadline looms

Recreation bill aims to foster biking, target shooting on public lands

Capitol Lens | Steel curtain

Supreme Court casts doubt on agency enforcement actions without juries

Drama ahead of third Santos expulsion vote

Ousted as speaker, McCarthy has not decided about reelection