Bills
| 3.23.22

Should Members and Employees of the House of Representatives Have to Undergo Anti-Harassment & Anti-Discrimination Training? (H. Res. 630)

Do you support or oppose this bill?

What is H. Res. 630?

(Updated August 7, 2018)

This resolution would require all members, officers, and employees of the House of Representatives to complete anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training during each one-year session of each two-year Congress. It would also apply to interns, fellows, and members of Congressional details. All would be required to complete the training within 90 days of the session beginning or 90 days of becoming employed by the House.

Given that it would take effect during the 115th Congress is passed, the training would be required to be completed within 180 days of the House’s 2018 session beginning.

As a simple resolution that changes the internal rules of the House of Representatives, this bill wouldn’t advance to the Senate if passed by the House.

Argument in favor

Everyone who works in the House of Representatives — from lawmakers to interns — should be required to complete anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress. This will ensure that the House is a welcoming workplace environment.

Argument opposed

There’s no need for all members and employees of the House of Representatives to undergo anti-harassment training. All individuals should be held accountable for their actions, but mandatory training won’t resolve the issues of the past.

Impact

Everyone who works in the House of Representatives.

Cost of H. Res. 630

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-VA) introduced this bill to require all members and staff of the House of Representatives complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress:

“Recent cases of sexual harassment both within Congress, and outside in other industries, make clear that we need increased efforts to provide zero tolerance for any form of sexual harassment in Congress. This bipartisan Resolution is a first step and more will still be done. This Resolution reforms House rules so that staff, interns, and fellows have the necessary protections if they face sexual harassment or discrimination in the Congressional workplace. This resolution will also put in the proper protocols and training so that both staff and Members are fully trained on anti-sexual harassment and anti-discrimination procedures.”

This legislation was introduced with the support of three bipartisan cosponsors in the House, including Reps. Jackie Speier (D-CA), Gregg Harper (R-MS), and Bob Brady (D-PA).


Media:

Summary by Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: praetorianphoto / iStock)