Ryan says harassment won't be tolerated, calls it disgrace
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sexual harassment shouldn't exist anywhere, "let alone in the United States Congress," and won't be tolerated as lawmakers tighten Capitol Hill's rules for addressing the problem, House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday.
Ryan, R-Wis., spoke as leaders react to an outbreak of allegations of harassment by legislators that's become a distraction to Congress' year-end work on budget and tax issues. His comments also came hours before the House planned to approve a measure requiring lawmakers and staff to undergo mandatory, annual anti-harassment training.
Ryan told reporters that having a hostile work environment in Congress is "a disgrace," adding, "We will not tolerate that kind of behavior.