Rep. Torres Amendment Strengthening Workplace Misconduct Training Requirements Passes Committee

Rep. Torres Amendment Strengthening Workplace Misconduct Training Requirements Passes Committee

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) today fought for greater accountability in the House of Representatives to prevent sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Torres successfully added an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2027 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill requiring Members of Congress with publicly disclosed House Ethics Committee investigations against them to complete all workplace misconduct trainings in person as opposed to online. The successful amendment was one of three that Torres offered to the bill.

"I'm glad my colleagues agreed to take a step toward holding ourselves to a higher standard, but we cannot pretend this solves every problem," said Rep. Torres. "In-person training is an important first step toward ensuring Members of Congress understand the rules, but if we want staff and the public to trust this institution, we have to equip our watchdogs to enforce them. I will continue fighting to ensure the Ethics Committee has the resources to complete investigations in a timely manner and that Members who engage in misconduct are held accountable. That is what our constituents, our staff, and this democracy deserve."

Torres' successful amendment will require any Member of Congress with an active, publicly disclosed Ethics Committee investigation to take their workplace misconduct training in person. Torres offered two additional amendments to the fiscal year 2027 House Legislative Branch Appropriations bill to increase funding for the House Ethics Committee investigative team, and to require in-person workplace misconduct training for all Members of Congress. Together, the amendments would increase responsiveness to accusations of misconduct and ensure that Members of Congress clearly understand their responsibilities and obligations to ensure a safe workplace for their staff and visitors.

Rep. Torres, a member of both the House Appropriations Committee and the Committee on House Administration, has consistently focused on improving workplace protections and strengthening reporting and transparency mechanisms for staff throughout the federal government.

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