Senate approves sexual harassment bill covering Congress

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Congress’ secret sexual harassment settlement pacts: What we know about them

Lawmakers have been under fire for sweeping sexual harassment claims under the rug, rigging the system in their favor and negotiating secret settlements using taxpayer money. What exactly is the decades-old law that has allowed Congress to use an estimated $17 million to settle sexual harassment and racial discrimination complaints?

WASHINGTON -- The Senate has given final approval to a bill that revamps the system for handling sexual harassment complaints on Capitol Hill.

The bipartisan effort now goes to the House, which has passed its own version of the legislation amid a widening national debate over sexual misconduct, including in Congress.

Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota calls the unanimous vote "an incredibly important moment."

She says bill crafted with Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., is "completely overhauling the sexual harassment policies of the Congress."

The bill eliminates mandatory waiting periods for handling claims and requires lawmakers to repay the Treasury for harassment and discrimination settlements.