DEMS/WOMEN: “A female Democratic House member shocked fellow lawmakers Wednesday [12-13-17] when she said that the revealing clothing that some members and staffers wear is an ‘invitation’ to sexual harassment.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio) made the comments during a private Democratic Caucus meeting Wednesday to discuss sexual harassment issues, according to two Democratic sources in the room…
Kaptur, 71, has served in Congress since 1983. She’s the longest serving member of the Ohio delegation, representing a northern district that borders Lake Erie.
The dress code for female members, staffers and reporters has been relaxed in recent months after Ryan moved to modernize the rules following outcry about women not being able to wear sleeveless dresses in and around the House chamber. Both women and men are still expected to dress professionally, but the sergeant-at-arms isn’t as strict in enforcing rules about women’s shoulders being covered when present in the House chamber or Speaker’s lobby.
Kaptur’s comments come as Congress continues to reckon with a raft of sexual harassment allegations within its ranks.
Three members — Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) — resigned last week over sexual misconduct allegations.”
-Heather Caygle, “Democratic lawmaker: Women’s clothing an ‘invitation’ to harassment,” Politico, Dec. 13, 2017 01:28pm