CNN reports sexual harassment allegations inside the U.S. Congress

CNN reported that numerous female employees in the U.S. Congress were sexually harassed over the years by members and senior staff. The report said many victims did not file complaints because they feared being identified and excluded from working life. The report also described a complaints process that was layered, slow and often inconclusive. Republican lawmaker Kat Cammack said a single, comprehensive mechanism should be created for such cases. In testimony cited by CNN, some employees said they left their jobs after receiving messages, facing unwanted physical contact attempts and being subjected to inappropriate sexual propositions. The report said the House Ethics Committee’s role in referrals was also part of the process, with some cases moving through confidential procedures. Based on public reports reviewed by CNN, the committee formed an investigative subcommittee in only a small portion of the referrals it received.