HOUSE OF REPS/LEGAL/POLITICAL FIGURES: “House Speaker Paul Ryan ordered an investigation into workplace harassment allegations against a Pennsylvania Republican on Saturday and removed him from the panel that investigates and adjudicates such complaints.
The New York Times on Saturday reported that Rep. Patrick Meehan used taxpayer funds to settle a case brought against him by an unnamed female aide after she complained he made unwanted romantic overtures.
A spokesman for Mr. Meehan denied the allegations… Mr. Ryan (R., Wis.) said the allegations against Mr. Meehan would be investigated by the House ethics committee, which is evenly split between Republicans and Democrats and tasked with investigating allegations of wrongdoing by fellow members of Congress. Mr. Meehan was removed from his post on the committee in light of the allegations leveled against him…
Congress is grappling with multiple allegations of sexual harassment against members of both parties, as a nationwide movement to curb harassment roils businesses, media, Hollywood and politics.
Members are expected to consider a bipartisan bill in the coming weeks aimed at bringing greater workplace protections to Capitol Hill for aides who believe they have been the victims of harassment. In addition, the House voted in November to make all members and employees, including interns, complete a program that includes anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training.”
-Byron Tau, “Rep. Patrick Meehan, Facing Harassment Allegations, Is Taken Off Ethics Panel,” The Wall Street Journal online, Jan. 20, 2018 08:37pm