Senators Near Deal on Overhaul of Sexual-Harassment Claims in Congress
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Republican and Democratic Senate leaders say they’re near agreement on legislation to overhaul the way sexual harassment claims are handled in Congress after revelations of misconduct led several lawmakers to resign.
The legislation would require members to use their own funds instead of taxpayer money to settle claims of sexual harassment, sponsors of the bill told reporters Tuesday. It also would eliminate a required 90-day delay before accusers could take a claim to court. The delay requires 30 days of counseling, 30 days of mandatory arbitration and a 30-day “cooling off” period.