Congressional Accountability Act Enhancement

Summary#

This bill changes the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. It requires Members of Congress to reimburse the Treasury for settlements and awards that result from employment discrimination they personally committed. It also expands reimbursement rules so that employing offices may have to repay the Treasury when they unlawfully retaliate against someone for filing a discrimination claim. The bill lets people who file claims file an amended claim if a hearing officer's preliminary review finds the filer is not a covered employee or has not stated a claim. If no amended claim is filed within 10 days after the hearing officer's report, the person cannot get a formal hearing under the Act but may file a civil action in court. The bill also allows the Office of Employee Advocacy to help covered House employees with investigations, proceedings, and civil actions. The amendments apply to claims made on or after the date the bill becomes law.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a Member of Congress: you must reimburse the Treasury for settlements or awards paid in cases where you personally committed employment discrimination, for claims made after this law takes effect.
  • If you are a covered employee or claimant: you may file an amended claim after a preliminary review that finds you are not covered or that you failed to state a claim. You have 10 days from the hearing officer's report to file an amended claim. If you do not file an amended claim, you cannot obtain a formal hearing under the Act but may bring a civil action in court.
  • If you work in an employing office: your office could be required to reimburse the Treasury for amounts paid when unlawful retaliation occurs because someone filed a discrimination claim.
  • If you are a covered House employee: the Office of Employee Advocacy may provide assistance with investigations, proceedings, and related civil actions.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on estimated costs or savings. The bill requires certain reimbursements to the Treasury but does not include budget estimates or projected dollar amounts in the text provided.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.