And if there’s a settlement – and there have been more than 200 – it’s the American taxpayer that’s on the hook. Recent revelations have detailed secret payouts of more than $17 million for harassment claims from what’s essentially a congressional hush fund. Addressing those concerns, the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act -- which was introduced Wednesday with bipartisan support -- would end the secrecy. This year alone, the Treasury has paid nearly $1 million to settle sexual harassment and other complaints against members of Congress and their staff – in secret. Last week, Conyers’ hometown newspaper called for his resignation in the wake of the sexual harassment allegations against the Michigan lawmaker.

Source: Fox News November 29, 2017 22:53 UTC