Reporting harassment on Capitol Hill can be a winding, unclear process
There are a number of starting points for a Hill staffer reporting misconduct. The complex nature of the process, however, is not linear and victims have detailed being shuffled between offices and feeling stuck or discouraged from pursuing a complaint.
The reporting process can start at any or all of these offices. Staffers may bounce around between offices or hit dead ends before filing a claim with the House Ethics Committee.
1
Here’s where to go to pursue ...
... civil action
Office of Congressional Workplace Rights
Informs the House Ethics Committee about cases against a lawmaker or senior staffer
BUT ...
Helps employee seek back pay or legal remedy
Identity will be revealed to accused if action is taken
Provides confidential counseling
... disciplinary action
Office of Congressional Conduct
Sends investigative reports and referrals to the Committee
BUT ...
Independent investigation is opened
Can’t provide legal recourse
Does not have statute of limitations for cases
... legal representation
Office of Employee Advocacy
Represents staffer in front of the Committee
Provides free legal counsel
... mental health support
Office of Employee Assistance
Provides mental health counseling
Staffers can also go straight to the House Ethics Committee — which ultimately decides whether reprimand is necessary.
2
The House Ethics Committee is the only committee with the power to hold lawmakers accountable for harassment or misconduct.
BUT ...
Conducts investigations that can lead to the sanction, censure, reprimand or explusion of a lawmaker
Can take an unknown amount of time
Committee’s work does not have to be publicized
The reporting process can start at any or all of these offices. Staffers may bounce around between offices or hit dead ends before filing a claim with the House Ethics Committee.
1
Here’s where to go to pursue ...
... civil action
Office of Congressional Workplace Rights
Informs the House Ethics Committee about cases against a lawmaker or senior staffer
BUT ...
Helps employee seek back pay or legal remedy
Identity will be revealed to accused if action is taken
Provides confidential counseling
... disciplinary action
Office of Congressional Conduct
Sends investigative reports and referrals to the Committee
BUT ...
Independent investigation is opened
Can’t provide legal recourse
Does not have statute of limitations for cases
... legal representation
Office of Employee Advocacy
Represents staffer in front of the Committee
Provides free legal counsel
... mental health support
Office of Employee Assistance
Provides mental health counseling
Staffers can also go straight to the House Ethics Committee — which ultimately decides whether reprimand is necessary.
2
The House Ethics Committee is the only committee with the power to hold lawmakers accountable for harassment or misconduct.
BUT ...
Conducts investigations that can lead to the sanction, censure, reprimand or explusion of a lawmaker
Can take an unknown amount of time
Committee’s work does not have to be publicized
The reporting process can start at any or all of these offices. Staffers may bounce around between offices or hit dead ends before filing a claim with the House Ethics Committee.
1
Here’s where to go to pursue ...
... civil action
... disciplinary action
... legal representation
... mental health support
Office of Congressional Workplace Rights
Office of Congressional Conduct
Office of Employee Advocacy
Office of Employee Assistance
Provides mental health counseling
Provides free legal counsel
Opens independent investigation
Helps employee seek back pay or legal remedy
Does not have statute of limitations for cases
Provides confidential counseling
BUT ...
BUT ...
Can’t provide legal recourse
Identity will be revealed to accused if action is taken
Informs the
Committee about
cases against a
lawmaker or
senior staffer
Sends
investigative
reports and
referrals to the
Committee
Represents
staffer in
front of the
Committee
Staffers can also go straight to the House Ethics Committee — which ultimately decides whether reprimand is necessary.
2
The House Ethics Committee is the only committee with the power to hold lawmakers accountable for harassment or misconduct.
BUT ...
Conducts investigations that can lead to the sanction, censure, reprimand or explusion of a lawmaker
Can take an unknown amount of time
Committee’s work does not have to be publicized
