![Effective immediately: House bans sexual relationships between lawmakers and their staffers](https://www.theblaze.com/media-library/image.jpg?id=18907099&width=980&quality=85)
The House passed a House resolution to prohibit sexual relationships between lawmakers and their staffers. The measure is effective immediately.
(Mark Wilson/Getty Images)
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved H. Res. 724, a measure that prohibits sexual relationships between lawmakers and their staffers.
The bill, pushed by Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-Va.), is the first significant step toward changing the system that has faced numerous sexual misconduct scandals against lawmakers in recent months amid the nationwide #MeToo movement.
The measure is effective immediately, according to the Washington Post. The bill affects the House only.
• Sexual relationships between House members and employee they supervise are prohibited.
• A nonpartisan Office of Employee Advocacy will be established to assist employees with claims of sexual harassment.
• Accusers will no longer be required to undergo counseling and mediation.
• Each member must adopt policies that prohibit harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
• Members must certify they are not using their budgets to settle workplace claims.
No. There were no explicit rules prohibiting relationships between lawmakers and employees before today.
A separate bill, reforming the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995, was also approved. It requires lawmakers to reimburse taxpayers when they are involved in a workplace settlement.
This bill must also pass the Senate. It's not immediately clear when the upper chamber might take action on it.
• The House Ethics Committee will automatically review cases that have settled.
• Workplace protections are extended to include unpaid staff and interns.
• Staffers will have the ability to file a complaint and a lawsuit simultaneously.
• Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.)
• Rep. Tim Murphy (R-Pa.),
• Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.)
• Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.)
• Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas)
• Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas)
• Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-Nev.)
• Rep. Patrick Meehan (R-Pa.)