Sexual Harassment Training Coming To The U.S. House Of Representatives

All members of the U.S. House and their staff will have a new class to take every year. According to The Hill, the House voted on Wednesday to require all members and staff to undergo sexual harassment awareness training annually.

The measure passed by a voice vote and will require that all members and staff undergo training no later than 180 days after the second session of Congress begins in January according to The Hill.

Comstock’s measure requires members and staff to undergo anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training during each session of Congress. Interns and fellows would also have to take the training.

Members and staff will have to complete the training no later than 180 days after the second session of the current Congress begins in January.

“Today’s bill is an important step in the right direction. But let’s not fool ourselves. It is a baby step,” said Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), who has introduced legislation to overhaul Capitol Hill’s workplace policies.

The House vote follows a move by the Senate earlier this month to require the training for its members and staff.

Until now, Capitol Hill employees were not required to undergo training to recognize and combat sexual harassment. Some offices voluntarily made their workers receive the training, but it was not a universal policy.

Interestingly, while those on Capitol Hill were not required to undergo sexual harassment training, employees of the Executive Branch have been required to undergo such training.