As sexual harassment cases continue to make waves on national media, the New York Times recently reported that in one of six settlements, Texas Republican Black Farenthold used $84,000 in taxpayer funds to settle a sexual harassment claim. Farethhold is one of many who used taxpayer dollars to settle claims made against him.As part of review of sexual harassment and discrimination in Congress, the Office of Compliance has requested information from the Committee on House Administration. In the past few weeks, representatives such as Al Franken, John Conyers Jr., and Joe Bart have been accused of sexual harassment.Farenthold and Ruben Kilhuen of Nevada are the most recent to be accused. Of all cases so far, Farenthold’s was the only one settled by the office since 2013, according to data compiled by the Office of Compliance.Other cases included $150,000 for alleged veteran status discrimination, $76,000 for age discrimination, $37,250 for alleged disability discrimination, $7,000 for allege discrimination because of sex and religion, and $5,200 for allege discrimination based on race, national origin, and military service according to the Times. The money was paid via a secretive congressional office.While accusations against representatives have been mounting, the House voted to require anti-harassment training for all members, including staff and interns, according to the Wall Street Journal.
