Congressional Accountability Act Enhancement Act

Hozzl · 2022-12-29T23:18:23Z

Explore the details of House Bill 7542 Congressional Accountability Act Enhancement Act currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Congress. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/29/2022, 11:18 PM

Summary of Bill HR 7542

The Congressional Accountability Act Enhancement Act, also known as Bill 117 HR 7542, is a piece of legislation aimed at strengthening the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. The Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 was originally passed to apply workplace protections to employees of the legislative branch, including protections against discrimination and harassment.

The Enhancement Act seeks to build upon the original legislation by expanding the scope of protections provided to congressional employees. This includes extending protections to interns, fellows, and detailees, as well as providing additional resources for training and education on workplace rights and responsibilities.

Additionally, the Enhancement Act aims to improve the process for reporting and resolving complaints of discrimination and harassment within the legislative branch. This includes establishing a confidential process for reporting complaints, as well as requiring annual reporting on the number and outcomes of complaints filed. Overall, the Congressional Accountability Act Enhancement Act is designed to strengthen workplace protections for congressional employees and improve the accountability and transparency of the legislative branch. It is an important piece of legislation that aims to create a safer and more inclusive work environment for all individuals working within Congress.

Congressional Summary of HR 7542

Congressional Accountability Act Enhancement Act

This bill extends the liability of Members of Congress for employment discrimination settlements and awards and expands certain employment protections for congressional employees.

Current law requires that a Member who commits an act of harassment in violation of employment-based civil rights protections must reimburse the Treasury for amounts paid as settlements or awards resulting from the act. This bill also requires that Members reimburse the Treasury for amounts paid resulting from any unlawful discrimination and related retaliation.

Additionally, the bill grants congressional employees a 10-day period to amend a filing alleging employment discrimination if the hearing officer determines the initial filing failed to state a claim for which relief could be granted.

The bill also allows the Office of Employee Advocacy to continue to assist a congressional employee with investigations and proceedings related to a claim of workplace discrimination even after the employee begins federal court proceedings.

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Current Status of Bill HR 7542

Bill HR 7542 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 18, 2022. Bill HR 7542 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on April 18, 2022. Bill HR 7542's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. as of April 18, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7542

Total Number of Sponsors

Democrat Sponsors

Republican Sponsors

Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7542

Primary Policy Focus

Congress

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7542

Congressional Accountability Act Enhancement Act

To amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to require Members of Congress to reimburse the Treasury for amounts paid as settlements and awards under such Act in all cases of employment discrimination acts committed personally by Members, to permit individuals who file claims under such Act to file an amended claim if the preliminary review of the individual's claim by a hearing officer includes the determination that the individual filing the claim is not a covered employee under such Act or has not stated a claim for which relief may be granted under title IV of such Act, and for other purposes.