EXCLUSIVE — Two House Republicans are proposing the return of public shaming in response to the torrent of bad behavior by their colleagues, like ex-Reps. Eric Swallwell (D-CA) Tony Gonzales (R-TX).
Reps. Stephanie Bice (R-OK) and Josh Brecheen (R-OK) told the Washington Examiner they are introducing legislation requiring any member of Congress who uses taxpayer money to settle misconduct lawsuits to be publicly exposed to the entire House.
Specifically, the duo’s bill would require lawmakers to stand in the center of the House, in front of their colleagues and the public tuning in at home on C-SPAN, while the chamber’s clerk reads the settlement amount, the reason for the payment, and whether it has been reimbursed.
“This type of good governance legislation ensures that members who are found personally liable and use taxpayer dollars to settle a lawsuit cannot hide their actions,” Bice said. “The American people deserve to know whether their lawmakers have been accused of sexual assault, harassment, or other violations of the Congressional Accountability Act.”
Under the bill, lawmakers who use taxpayer money to settle misconduct lawsuits would have 30 days to appear in the chamber for public shaming. If the lawmaker refuses, then they would lose access to all committee assignments and leadership positions.
Resigning, as Swalwell and Gonzales did to head off expulsion votes, would not save the members from further embarrassment. The Bice-Breechen bill says that if a former member refuses to comply, they will lose access to the House floor and other perks given to ex-lawmakers.
Supporters say the measure is meant to shine a light on bad behavior that often goes unnoticed. Congressional law already requires the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights to track and disclose on its website settlements made by congressional offices and agencies for misconduct.
Critics say the current system, however, is opaque. They note that reports only list settlements and the category of workplace violation but do not specify who was responsible and the nature of the complaint.
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“The American People deserve accountability for Members of Congress who abuse their position to victimize others — especially when tax dollars are used in settlements,” Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX) said.
“While well-intended, previous efforts required the public release of even ‘alleged violations’ — even false ones,” Cloud said. “This runs contrary to the foundational legal principle of due process — a principle rooted in Scripture long before it was codified in law.”