Committee on Oversight and Government Reform U.S. House of Representatives 115th Congress – Tables of Penalties: Examining Sexual Misconduct in the Federal Workplace and Lax Federal Responses October 19, 2017 Staff Report – Draft.
“Sexual misconduct is a challenge the federal government must aggressively and consistently address to ensure the well-being and safety of its workforce. he vast majority of federal employees don ot engage in conduct unbefitting the civil service. However, for those who do engage in sexual misconduct, swift and forceful accountability is warranted and required. In the 114th Congress,the Committee identified examples of this unacceptable behavior including: the solicitation of prostitutes while on official U.S. government business; the sexual harassment of colleagues and interns; and the accessing of pornography during the workday. Because the sexual misconduct and related unacceptable activities continues, a clear, coherent, consistent and forceful federal response is necessary. Accordingly, last year the Committee’s majority staff initiated an examination of agency disciplinary policies by reviewing each agency’s uniquely constructed “Table of Penalties.” The review showed no standardized definition of sexual misconduct and no requirement agencies have standardized recommended penalties. This could lead to inconsistent responses to unlawful or noxious behavior and disparate treatment of the conduct and offenders depending on the agency. The review also found recommended discipline varies within an agency and some agencies lack a Table of Penalties altogether. The federal government must address these inconsistencies to better identify and combat sexual misconduct within the federal workforce. Federal employees deserve a safe work environment, free of predatory behavior. Employees should feel safe and protected doing the people’s business [emphasis added]. And the American people deserve a work force and a work environment reflective of the law, their high standards for appropriate conduct, and conducive with maximum productivity. Sincerely, Trey Gowdy.”