‘Creeps need not apply’: How a team of bipartisan women plan to change Capitol Hill’s culture of harassment
Creeps need not apply – Two weeks after the resignation of Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales and California Democrat Eric Swalwell under sexual misconduct allegations, a new bipartisan initiative has emerged to tackle harassment on Capitol Hill. The task force, led by Rep. Emilia Sykes, an Ohio Democrat, and Rep. Kat Cammack, a Florida Republican, aims to overhaul the system that has long allowed abuse of power to persist. Their mission is clear: to make harassment on Capitol Hill a thing of the past, not just a recurring issue.
A Call for Systemic Change
During a recent meeting with Democratic leadership, Sykes made it abundantly clear that the problem was not confined to women alone. “If these members were not using their authority to harass, we wouldn’t even be here,” she stated, highlighting the need for a unified approach. This sentiment was echoed by Cammack, who emphasized that the issue required collaboration across party lines. “We’ve seen this is a bipartisan problem, so the solution must be bipartisan,” she added, underscoring the urgency of the task.
The task force was announced this week by Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Their goal is to create a more efficient and transparent framework for addressing sexual harassment claims, a challenge that has plagued the institution for over a decade. Despite previous efforts, the system remains flawed, and lawmakers say it’s time for a fresh start. “We want to ensure that harassment stops before it escalates,” Sykes explained, noting that the current processes often leave victims in limbo.
Key Reforms in Focus
One of the primary focuses of the task force is to strengthen disclosure requirements for members of Congress. Cammack mentioned that current rules allow lawmakers to enter into relationships with their own staff, but there’s no restriction on relationships with staff from other offices. This, she argued, can lead to conflicts of interest and a lack of accountability. “As a matter of judgment, it’s not a great idea,” Sykes said. “It just creates so many potential issues, and you have to be mindful of the power dynamics at play.”
Another proposed reform involves making the harassment reporting process more accessible. Staffers who face abuse often navigate a complex web of entities, including the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, the Office of Employee Advocacy, and the House Ethics Committee. However, these systems are often unclear or underfunded, leaving victims unsure of where to turn. “Today, if a woman is harassed or assaulted, she wouldn’t really know where to go,” Cammack said. “The training is woefully inadequate, and she’d wonder, ‘Who do I talk to, where do I go?’”
The lawmakers also plan to address the fear of retaliation that deters many from speaking up. Cases can linger for months or even years before reaching resolution, creating a climate of silence. “There is a real fear, and it’s a credible fear,” Sykes noted. “People work endless hours to get to Capitol Hill, and they feel like reporting could cost them their job or their position.”
Training and Accountability
Training for both lawmakers and staff is a major area of concern. Cammack and Sykes agreed that current programs are insufficient, particularly for members of Congress who hold significant authority. “Training is especially inadequate for lawmakers,” Sykes said. “They need to understand how their actions can impact others.” This is a personal issue for both women, who have experienced harassment firsthand. “We’ve had to call out harassment in the moment,” Sykes said. “But as members of Congress, we also have the ability to do so, which is unique for us.”
Cammack shared her own experiences, including the pressure to remain silent in the face of misconduct. “I can’t tell you how many times as a southerner I’ve had to bless someone’s heart,” she said, pointing out that staffers often can’t afford to be as forgiving. “They’re dealing with a real power imbalance,” she added, describing how harassment can go unchecked in a system where authority figures often hold the keys to career advancement.
Both representatives are pushing for reforms that could move quickly through the House administration committee, aiming to pass them as a resolution. Their strategy includes a variety of options, from stricter disclosure rules to clearer guidelines on workplace relationships. “We want to see this stop before it ever gets to that point,” Cammack said. “That’s why we’re working so fast.”
Broader Implications and Challenges
The task force faces a significant hurdle: the upcoming midterm elections. With only six months until the vote, lawmakers are under pressure to pass legislation that aligns with their constituents’ priorities. “It’s difficult to make progress when the body is focused on partisan battles,” Sykes acknowledged. However, she and Cammack remain optimistic, believing that the current crisis has created an opportunity for real change.
Recent resignations have highlighted the need for action. Gonzales and Swalwell left under the threat of expulsion, a move that underscored the severity of the issue. “This isn’t just about individual mistakes,” Sykes said. “It’s about a system that allows harassment to fester for too long.” The task force is not only addressing the symptoms but also the root causes, such as the lack of clear protocols and the cultural acceptance of inappropriate behavior.
While the reforms are still in development, Sykes and Cammack have already outlined key areas for improvement. One idea is to require members who have settled harassment claims to disclose the details of their cases. “This would hold them accountable and make the process more transparent,” Cammack said. Another proposal is to clarify the rules around relationships between lawmakers and their staff, ensuring that power imbalances are minimized.
For Sykes and Cammack, the effort is deeply personal. They see the issue as both a professional and moral responsibility. “We’re not just trying to fix the system,” Sykes said. “We’re trying to create a culture where harassment is no longer tolerated.” Their work is part of a larger movement to redefine the political landscape, making it safer for everyone, not just women, to thrive without fear of abuse.
A New Dawn for Capitol Hill
As the task force moves forward, the hope is that their reforms will set a new standard for accountability and transparency. “We’re here to say that creeps need not apply,” Cammack declared. “That’s the message we want to send to anyone who thinks harassment is acceptable.” The road ahead is challenging, but the bipartisan nature of the effort signals a potential breakthrough in a divided Congress. “We want to make sure that when someone is harassed, they know exactly where to go and how to get help,” Sykes said. “That’s the foundation of a fair and just workplace.”
With the midterm elections approaching and the resignations of prominent lawmakers, the urgency of this reform has never been greater. Sykes and Cammack are determined to build a system that protects victims and holds perpetrators accountable. “This is about changing the culture,” Sykes said. “Not just for the women who have suffered, but for everyone who works here.” Their work represents a step toward a more equitable Capitol Hill, where harassment is no longer the norm but a problem that can be solved through collective action.
