(Evan Vucci/AP)Congress backed legislation on Thursday that would make lawmakers financially liable for sexual harassment settlements and eliminate unnecessary barriers to reporting workplace misconduct on Capitol Hill. [House, Senate agree on bill to establish new sexual harassment policy for Congress]In the House, accusers will have access to full legal representation. In the Senate, accusers will have access to a confidential advocate who must be an attorney but is barred from formally representing them. The new bill states that accusers must bring a claim within 180 days of the alleged incident of harassment or retaliation. The bill implements a regular climate survey of House and Senate offices that will include questions about sexual harassment and other workplace issues.

Source: Washington Post December 13, 2018 18:22 UTC