Swalwell Act

Key Points

• The bill bans the use of taxpayer money to pay for settlements, awards, or judgments when a Member of Congress or senior congressional staff is accused of workplace misconduct, including harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.
• Lawmakers and senior staff found liable for workplace misconduct must pay the full amount out of their own pockets. They cannot use federal funds or campaign funds to cover these costs, and must certify under penalty of perjury that no public money was used.
• The House and Senate must create a public, searchable database listing the names of members or senior staff who settled misconduct claims, the dollar amount, the date, and the general nature of the claim. Victim identities are protected from disclosure.
• All settlements and awards paid with public funds since January 1, 1995, involving congressional workplace misconduct must be published within 180 days of enactment, shining a light on decades of previously hidden cases.
• Any allegation that could involve a federal crime must be referred to the Department of Justice. No settlement, nondisclosure agreement, or internal process can block or delay this referral, even without the complainant's consent.
• Violators face a civil penalty of at least double the amount improperly paid, plus referral to their chamber's Ethics Committee. The Attorney General can bring a civil action to enforce the law.

Votes

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Related Bills

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