House to mandate sexual harassment training after wave of misconduct

The House will pass a resolution Wednesday that will require lawmakers to undergo sexual harassment training, making the first move in Congress to deal with a wave of sexual misconduct allegations that started in Hollywood but quickly found its way to Washington.

The resolution from Rep. Barbara Comstock, R-Va., would require all House lawmakers, officers and staff to undergo an anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training program during each session of Congress.

It’s expected to pass easily, if not unanimously, and Republicans have put it on the fast track for passage under a rule that speeds up debate, and requires a two-thirds majority for passage.

“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,” Comstock said of her resolution, which is backed by members of both parties.

Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., is a co-sponsor of Comstock's language, even though it doesn't go nearly as far as her own bill that would completely overhaul the way sexual harassment claims are investigated and settled in Congress. Republicans so far haven't given any indication that they are willing to consider her bill.