Some sexual harassment news from the Hill today: House Ethics Committee says Rep. Mark Meadows’ showed “failure to take prompt and decisive action to deal with the alleged sexual harassment in his congressional office."
House Ethics investigated allegations of sexual harassment involving Meadows' former chief of staff, Kenny West. According to its review, West’s behavior toward female staff was “inappropriate in every sense of the word,” committee said.
House Ethics says Meadows failed to take prompt action in part by “demoting” West to a senior adviser role, then continuing to pay him even though there was “little evidence of official work” that he was doing.
House Ethics says its report serves as “reproval” of Meadows’ conduct, and it is requiring the congressman to reimburse the Treasury Department for “overpayment” made to West of around $40,000.
"There is no place in any congressional office for looking up skirts, or down shirts; staring at a woman’s chest; unwanted touching; or making sexual comments, even if subtle or in jest."
Key line from House Ethics report on Rep. Meadows: "Just as between Members and their staff, a power imbalance exists between senior staff and junior staff in congressional offices."
A second report from House Ethics also released today on Democratic Rep. Ruben Kihuen (who is not running for reelection) accused by multiple women of unwanted physical and verbal advances.
“The Committee found that Representative Kihuen made persistent and unwanted advances towards women who were required to interact with him as part of their professional responsibilities."
"While Members are free to pursue romantic and intimate relationships outside of the House, there is an inherent power imbalance when Members romantically pursue individuals who are required to interact with Members as part of their professional responsibilities."
Of note: Meadows has until May 15, 2020, to pay back the $40k to Treasury. This ethics case won’t be closed until he makes that payment.
