Why does Congress get away with not paying for their sexual harassment settlemen

1. 80

   ptosisposted 7 years ago

   Why does Congress get away with not paying for their sexual harassment settlements?
   
   The Treasury Department paid $220,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment involving Florida Democrat Alcee L. Hastings. ... Under 1995 law, accusers may file lawsuits only if they first agree to go through months of counseling and mediation.  ... When settlements do occur, members do not pay them from their own office funds, a requirement in other federal agencies. Instead, the confidential payments come out of a special U.S. Treasury fund.
   
   

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2. 73

   Ken Burgessposted 7 years ago

   I would imagine the 'logical' explanation for this would be that since they are a public figure serving as a representative of their certain region or state that makes them a target.
   
   As such, money is set aside to cover such settlements not so they can get away with anything, but to protect the institution as much as the politician.  The process is made difficult to dissuade just anyone from making accusations in hopes of a payday.
   
   If it became known that a way to remove a politician from office was to sue them in court and cost them time and money forcing them to leave office, that would be a tactic used far more often as a tool to remove an opponent.
   
   We see this accusatory tactic used today in nearly every election, it doesn't seem to matter who it is, if they are a Republican they are being attacked with accusations of sexual harassment or racism or both.
   
   We need to be careful, these accusations lose their relevancy when they become political tools used against every male candidate who runs for office, it comes to a point where no one wants to lend them credibility as it is seen as just a political ploy.

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      ptosisposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I hated it when had to go to a small tiny room inches from accuser for mediation before going to court. I hated it & walked out in 1min. That was for civil action, I can't imagine how hard it would be to go through that for months.

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3. 51

   bradmasterOCcalposted 7 years ago

   
   
   ptosis
   
   Unfortunately, Congress, both parties, make rules to protect themselves and be above the people. Many of the laws they pass that apply to us don't apply to them.
   
   This apparently is one instance of them.
   The members of congress should not be protected when they commit crimes on the people.
   
   They should be sanctioned by the Ethics committee and they should have their retirements used to pay their legal obligations and they should make up any short comings from their personal wealth.
   
   Their government benefits should be eliminated and depending on the crime removed from office.
   
   Above the Law should not be allowed in government. Whether it be the CIA, FBI or Congress, and the President.
   But in doing so, the constitution and the laws must be followed. Neither allegations, arrest, or trial shall be the criteria. Only conviction with due process. And congress shall also be allowed to have the presumption of innocence, where mere allegations shall not pierce. The only piercing of that presumption should be due process and a verdict.

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