On Monday, the House voted to adopt the recommendation by the ethics committee to remove Rep. Priscilla Giddings from the Commerce and Human Resources Committee. Democrats issued the following statement on the decision:
“Our caucus is supportive of today’s bipartisan decision, which mirrors the recommendation made by the House Ethics Committee in August. We thank the committee members for their due diligence in this matter, and know their recommendation wasn’t made lightly but after an exhaustive investigation and careful deliberations. We must ensure individuals always remain accountable for their actions no matter their station. Rep. Giddings displayed conduct unbecoming of a legislator, and was stripped of one of her committee assignments as a result.
No one should have to fear being further traumatized or retaliated against when making a report of sexual assault or harassment. What happened to Jane Doe after she came forward is inexcusable; that behavior cannot be tolerated here — or anywhere. We must do more to create an environment for safe, supportive reporting by survivors within the Capitol and beyond.”