Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) has called on Congress to disclose which members forced taxpayers to cover the $17 million in settlements paid between 1997 and 2017. These payments, made through the Congressional Office of Compliance, were used to resolve complaints of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, and other misconduct.
Massie has been vocal about the need for accountability, pointing out that President Donald Trump was scrutinized for using his own funds to settle legal matters. He questioned why members of Congress have been allowed to keep their misconduct hidden while forcing taxpayers to foot the bill.
The fund was created under the 1995 Congressional Accountability Act, but the details of the settlements remain unclear. The reporting process has been criticized for its lack of transparency, leaving the public in the dark about which members of Congress were involved.
Massie has argued that Congress should no longer be able to hide behind these settlements, especially since the money comes from taxpayers. He called for a full release of the details, saying that Americans deserve to know how their money was used.
This push for transparency comes amid growing frustration with the lack of accountability in Washington. Massie’s call for action has gained support, as lawmakers from both parties face increasing pressure to reveal the truth behind these settlements.
