Talk about a Congressional perk! Congress gets free taxpayer hush money AND anonymity for their egregious sexual conduct. What a world!
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/11/10/taxpayer-piggy-bank-lets-cong...
1
Every settle needs to be unsealed for the public to see how their representatives are behaving on their dime. I bet an equal number of Republicans and Democrats are guilty of such behavior.
Time to elect officials focus on the voters bottom line rather than the bottoms of staffers.
3
If Rep. Conyers has to go, then this guy DEFINITELY has to go. Sexual harassment is unacceptable no matter which party you ... attended ... er, make that ... are a member of.
Farenthold has Conyers' measly $27,000 payoff beaten by more than a factor of 3. Sheeesh.
5
This must end. Write you congressperson or better yet call them.
2
The GOP: making America great again every day in every way for child molesters and sexual abusers, and at tax payer expense to boot. Absolutely no shame.
4
Why would taxpayers have to pay for THIS!!!!!!Aren't we paying enough for the current mess of an administration, which has ruined AMERICA. Shoudn't he go to jail. Just THINK. Is there any hope for Americans to have a chance to wrap our heads around this nasty mess!!!!!!
4
Don't forget Congressman Raul Grijalva of Arizona. He settled with a staffer for $48,000 because of an alleged hostile environment. That tale is under wraps because it was conducted with the blessing of the House Employment Counsel Office.
4
Mr. Farenthold seems like such a classy guy.
"The same year Ms. Greene sued him, Mr. Farenthold announced that he would give up a sexually explicit domain name — blow-me.org — that he had held since 1999".
This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone
https://wonkette.com/569485/inconceivably-ducky-pajamas-wearing-texas-co...
A real class act. He fits right in with this treasonous Congress.
From http://blake.com/
"In Washington, DC, it’s not enough to be a conservative. You must be willing to stand up for what’s right. That’s why Blake Farenthold is a Texas Conservative. He has the best rating in Texas on defending our borders. He’s a 100% pro-life Christian and has an A+ with the NRA."
Good thing the Republican party is raising taxes with their tax cut bill, otherwise the good American people wouldn't be able to support these payouts.
Ever since the existence of this taxpayer-funded slush fund was revealed I have wondered why the Ethics Committee can't dock the offending member's salary to pay the cost of the penalty.
But I guess this is s tart at least.
Now where did the other 13.9 million settlement payments come from?
This secret hush money check book is ridiculous.
The offenders should all be removed, publicly shamed, and made to pay back every penny.
12
Nobody is more fake in this vicious vortex of fakeness than these sanctimonious drips purporting to have insight into what a hypothetical all-knowing, all-powerful, and immortal human being would think about human concerns.
3
Blake Farenthold: "The American people should not be footing the bill for federal employees who stonewall Congress or rewarding government officials' bad behavior." Maybe he can join Joe Barton at the bar to talk about the good ol' times and share some pictures.
6
They also paid the two young male victims of Eric Massa (D-NY) $100,000 in 2010 but that is ancient history.
4
How Many Abuses Must the People Suffer?
HORROR SOON! No reporting yet on what the government will do to shrink, weaken and privatize Medicare, SSI, and social services in general beginning soon.
Nothing reported yet on what the government will do to those with incomes between $22,000 and $26,000 per year!! What it will do as early as 2019!!! Those people will need to prepare to begin eating out of cans stored beginning next month.
3
Only $84000? That's peanuts. What about the $150,000 that taxpayers had to pay to settle Trey Gowdy's illegal action in firing a staffer who did not find the dirt on Hillary Clinton that Gowdy wanted and then had the temerity to go and fulfill his Air Force Reserve obligation?
8
pay it back!
8
What? It's not that different from the average cost of a round of golf for Trump, excluding first class travel costs! Republicans have no compulsion about using taxpayer funds for recreation or legal defense costs.
5
Perhaps our elected officials should just be women? Men have really let us down.
9
Why on earth would taxpayers foot the ball for this? Let him pay his own claim! Outrageous.
7
We want to know about all of the payouts and if the voters in their district are aware of the violations of their elected officials.
4
Why are we--we, the taxpayers--paying ANYTHING to avoid the perpetrators of sexual harrassment having to take responsibility for their crimes against women? They should all have to pay for any settlements for crimes they committed out of their own pockets, sexual or otherwise.
5
Maybe members of congress should be required to wear body cams? It could save the taxpayers some money.
6
The lavish lifestyles and corrupt morals of lawmakers henceforth will be generously funded by the American taxpayer. It's a new kind of serfdom that came with the new, rogue Senate.
2
We want our money back. Our tax dollars should not be paying off sexual harassment cases. The men who are guilty should be paying out of their own pockets not ours. We want to know their names and they should be in jail. Zero tolerance for attacking anyone sexually.
6
Resign and pay the money back to those you are robbing with your tax bill!
7
The House and the Senate (and presumably the Office of the President) are the only Federal entities not required to pay out settlements from their own funds under the No FEAR Act. Until 2002, all Federal agencies sustaining fines or settlements had those payments made from general governmental funds. "On May 15, 2002, Congress enacted the "Notification and Federal Employee Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002," which is now known as the No FEAR Act. One purpose of the Act is to "require that Federal agencies be accountable for violations of antidiscrimination and whistleblower protection laws," Public Law 107-174. In support of this purpose, Congress found that "agencies cannot be run effectively if those agencies practice or tolerate discrimination. Public Law 107-174, Title I, General Provisions, section 101(1). The No FEAR Act requires that agencies make payments from their own budgets and report those payments annually. The House and Senate? Not so much.
2
Cough it back up + interest, plus criminal charges for theft of our (US taxpayer's) money.
7
Why are tax-payers responsible for the indiscretions of elected representatives?
3
It's as though we need the equivalent of a good exterminator to clean things up. And what we have now is anything but someone, or someones, who will clean things up.
How terribly disconcerting.
2
The fund should not be private, it should be transparent to the taxpayer. These are workplace issues we all share, and many of them may be fine, and I may agree wholeheartedly with the issue and the verdicts. Regardless, if the taxpayer is paying, we need to see what results we are paying for.
1
Personally, I think any settlements should be deducted from the campaign funds raised by the Member. That being said, who so you think pays for settlements when any federal employee receives one? The taxpayer of course - because the taxpayer is the employer and the employer pays. What is wrong is that the employer (that would be us) doesn't know about the transgressions of the employee (that would be the member of Congress) so that we can decide whether this should be factored into continuing their employment. Any settlement that has been paid should be made public. Of course, based upon the election of Mr. Trump, may employers in the country clearly do not care if their employees engage in this type of behavior, so it probably wouldn't make much difference.
Grotesque. I am so sick and sad that we offered $15,000 to an Iraqi man whose home we accidentally destroyed and accidentally killed his entire family, and these congressmen dip into taxpayer funds to cover their disgusting and illegal transgressions . Wake up America!
18
Fascinating! This slime-ball seemingly has no moral or ethical core. First, he obviously saw nothing wrong with an attempt to coerce a member of his staff to have sex with him. Then, he apparently sees nothing wrong with using taxpayer funds to compensate his victim for his repugnant actions. Let us see how the Congressional Ethics Committee deals with Blake Farenthold (REP - TX). And, let's not forget the remaining $265,000 in taxpayer funds doled out to the victims of other congressmen. If they were in the private sector these "actors" would have been terminated with cause. It is never too late to do the right thing!
8
Compared to what this tax bill's gonna do to working women and kids, vets with drug problems and mental health issues, elderly folks in nursing homes and families struggling to take care of their chronically ill, the disgustingness of this is as nothing.
3
The sex scandal angle I have trouble understanding centers around the appearance of these guys. Lauer aside, GQ wouldn't touch any of them. Maybe Field and Steam, but only if they were between deer and trout seasons. To a person, the victims are attractive, intelligent women so, how did these guys get that close? The smell alone should have triggered the old flee for your self respect mechanism. And, what has really changed? OMG, this is totally outrageous..hey, got to go, second half has started. Trump's still in the White House and Judge Roy Bean is headed to the Senate. More women will come forward as they should. Tar and feathers when the 17 year old girl who closes the Burger joint in Missoula calls the police? Maybe all politics should be local.
6
I would feel much better if my taxes were used to pay for his jailers.
12
Reality check ethics only apply to the victums us .
Most of these lawmakers are lawyers it is lawyers who dominate and run all three branches of the U.S. government and this is known as the U.S. legal caste. Late American newspaper publisher Edward Scripps wrote "If there is such a thing as true freedom and democracy then the road to that goal lies over and through the ruin and annihilation of the legal caste." Scripps also wrote "The lawyers are known to be liars. They know they are known to be liars. They constantly practice falsehood and false pretense. From among these men we select our judges." Now Americas lawyer politicians expect taxpayers to fund sexual harassment law suits which involves paying the victims lawyers money!
2
Bill this money back to the taxpayers of Farenthold's district.
If they decline to do so, take it from Farenthold's salary. I'm sure some entrepreneurial small businessmen will be glad to start selling insurance policies to pay these claims for elected officials.
8
Some non-profit such as Common Cause should immediately file suit to recover all tax monies paid by Congress to settle any complaints arising from a senator's or representative's personal conduct whether for claims of sexual harrassment, or veteran status, disability, sex, race, or other discrimination, etc.
This is outrageous.
6
Make them all pay every penny back, or withhold said amounts from their pensions. Congress, get to work and pass meaningful legislation, not corporate welfare.
7
Paying sexual harrassment settlement with tax dollars is outrageous, but having such transparency is government is wonderful because it enables debate.
2
Why is it that only the Democrats that are calling for Zero Tolerance policies? And when will the Office of Compliance hand over all records of payments and for what from 1995 to today? And who sponsored the 1995 bill? And why are the taxpayers paying these suits? All who were involved in payoffs should have to reimburse the taxpayers.
We need Agatha Christie's Detective Poirot to investigate this, because it is clear the the Republicans in charge are not going to allow it. Despite Paul Ryan's comments.
5
Every one of these "settlements" must be repaid by the person[s] accused. This is truly highway robbery. Goes hand in hand with the new tax bill. Oh, yes, it is accurate to call it a "tax" bill: taxing those least able to pay.
7
Notice on whose watch this slush fund was exposed: Trump's.
WHY DIDN'T OBAMA EXPOSE IT OR STOP IT?
With the Bushes, the Clintons, and the Obamas finally off the scene, look at everything finally being made public.
We have got to stop electing career politicians who "somehow" end up very rich after a few terms of their so-called public service.
1
Our system of government is broken.
5
Why does this surprise anyone? We elected the predator-in-chief to the highest office in the land with no thought of the consequences. If Trump is allowed to get away with his actions why not all the rest of elected officials. But paying for these settlements with taxpayers' money puts the right of "we the people" to demand action from the congress post haste. I believe the oath to defend the constitution does not include the right to demand sexual favors from subordinates. Where is the moral majority now?
3
Another indication of the corruption in our government, any of these congressmen that used or participated in harassment in any form should be brought before the ethics committee.
4
These pay-offs made at taxpayers expense must stop for both Democrats and Republicans and the public must be informed of the parties involved. After all, we the American people paid for them, we need to know how our money is being spent.
5
The real story here is that congress passed legislation that funded payouts for sexual misconduct allegations against themselves. The names of congressmen who voted to pass the legislation should be published for the voters to see.
4
Any Congressperson who used this slush fund should reimburse the gov't out of pocket.
4
Here in LA it seems that practically every time I open the Metro section of the LA Times there’s another story of more public payouts to victims of the LAPD or LAUSD for perceived transgressions by their employees. This is just how big brother government works. Only 84 thousand, for a face like that? We taxpayers got off cheap on this one.
1
They need to pay that money back from their own pockets. Now.
4
Are you kidding? That is my/our money and under what possible rationalization should taxpayers be footing the bill for illegal behavior? Unbelievable and outrageous!
3
There IS a remedy for this, and an old one. Legalize prostitution, regulate it, ensure sex workers enter into the profession voluntarily, provide health checks, and tax income from sex work and running brothels. It worked for generations in Germany, from the Kaiser through today.
Give these people an outlet that THEY could pay for, or encourage them to service themselves!
1
Excellent idea, Carl...but you know what I think? I think that these guys "get off" on harassing women who are not sex workers...they get off on harassing women who they feel are "good" or "easy" prey. Women who they feel they can really upset, or women who are not strong enough to just smack them really hard in the face, or punch them really hard in the mouth, or kick them really hard in the groin. Women with whom they feel they can get away with this kind of nauseating behavior. Women who are shy, sweet, gentle...women who they do not see as strong or confident. These guys are predators, and they size up their prey very well before the pounce. These guys don't want prostitutes; they want VICTIMS.
2
How can this use of public money be legal? Is this not at least misappropriation of public funds?
2
So who are the others? Their settlement amounts? And what are they doing now?
4
Washington needs to set up a Non Profit Organization (NGO) named "Sexual Harassment Integrated Payments" (SHIP) so our Senate officials can focus on their job rather than worrying about their paycheck. We (the donors) can then deduct such payments from our taxes similar as Church or Environmental services. Nancy Pelosi could be the Chief Executive of that fund (after she retires obviously - the sooner the better).
If the taxpayers are paying they deserve to know what they are paying for.
2
Sounds to me like the Congress is having a wee bit TOO much fun, fiddling while Rome burns. And we get the bill.
We should not be funding their legal battles. They have nothing to do with their commission within the service of the public. Drinking to excess? "Redhead patrol"? Sexually explicit domain name? Really?
How did these people get to be such a "protected" class? That's what I'd like to know. But take away our health-care options, then it's all good.
4
More time was spent in the $84,000 than on the tax bill.
VOTE THEM ALL OUT.
4
Outrageous that taxpayer money should be used to end this claim.
3
That taxpayer money was used to settle a sexual harassment claim is outrageous. I don't care who you are, if you commit a crime, or an abuse of power to obtain sex from an unwilling female, you should be responsible for the settlement, or legal fees involved with your defense. That taxpayer's hard-earned money should be used in this way is unconscionable and totally unacceptable. Women will be responsible for changing some of our current practices and laws. We must elect more women to positions of power and demand full accountability from men. The days of male coercion of females for the purposes of sexual gratification are at an end.
3
Considering that the Republicans have just passed legislation that will decimate the tax base and kill most of the federal government, expect to see plenty more of these shenanigans.
There is no one holding these men to account for anything - no oversight, no accountability, and no political will from Republicans to do anything except decrease the power of the federal government to enforce laws and ensure that middle-class taxpayers are not being robbed blind.
VOTE EVERY REPUBLICAN OUT OF OFFICE IN 2018
5
I don’t suppose this fund was eliminated in the tax bill? Sickening. Sexual harrassment and assault may not belong to any particular party, but it does seem like Republicans get away with it more often. The mainstream is much more likely to cast out their predators or the miscreants fall humbly on their swords. But what we have seen on the conservative - supposedly Christian -side, is circling wagons, persecuting the accusers and payoffs - i.e. Donald Trump, Roy Moore, Bill O’Reily, and we don’t even know how many congressmen and senators. Can the misuse of public funds for this kind of purpose be challenged in court?
4
Our elected officials and their appointees are getting away with murder for one reason.We have no ethics oversight or power. They seem to have no fear and operate with impunity from real repercussions. We have senators and congressmen using our tax dollars to cover up indiscretions. We're paying for a ridiculous amount of unnecessary air travel. No full reimbursements are required even when people are fired for their offenses.
We should immediately claw back all these funds or these guilty people should receive appropriate criminal charges for illegal use of public funds.
2
One rule for the public, and one rule for the elected officials!
So much for equality for all under the law !
19
So I suppose this means Farenthold is up for the next big appointment by the White House....
23
He'd be great to head some Ethics Board! Perfect for this administration!
2
Suasan H, the only thing that this guy should be doing is cleaning toilets in a federal prison...with his head.
2
100% of the electorate knows it's wrong to underwrite Congressional crimes with our taxes.
75% of the electorate does not want this tax bill. That figure was consistent in every poll. And yet the bill was rammed through.
In a sane world, 75% or more of the electorate should show up at the midterms and vote out this GOP-led cabal.
In a sane world...
Alas, the evidence daily mounts that this country has fallen into an abyss. It's time we started pulling ourselves out, but that can only happen if more people become politically active. These crimes and misdemeanors happened precisely because we've slumbered through decades. In that lull, people with vile agendas have been very busy, indeed.
Call or write every GOP congressional member and express your displeasure. Explain why you will not stand for paying for this Congress's sexual crimes and why you will not stand for this tax bill. This site makes it super easy:
https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/
16
The GOP-led cabal is responsible for Conners or Franken?
Is it only abuse of power that involves sex that we are going to be concerned about? Or, are all of these offenses fireable?
9
Exactly why a non politician had to be elected to president so all of this could be exposed. We have slush funds; who would have known. All people in office who have sexually harassed should Every one of them. The enabling of Bill Clinton's in office behavior only came around.
3
Older people actually believe there is a difference between Democrats and Republicans in congress.
They will fiercely and hypocritically call for blood if it's a guy from the other party while staying silent when it's their party.
All along, the 2 real parties in this country are Politicians/Celebrities v The Rest of Us.
But I guarantee you no one over 70 can even fathom this.
Where is the outrage that Obama, supposedly the greatest man to have ever lived, did not expose this slush fund? Crickets from the liberals...
Your comment makes no sense but I will point out that the non politician who is president bragged about sexual assault before he was elected.
3
It's called a "slush fund" in the criminal world and providing hush money is among its primary purposes and it's as American as hypocrisy and apple pie in crime, business and politics. Stop feigning shock as though we've revealed that Amelia Earhart stole the Amber Room and is living in Oxnard. Doesn't anyone get tired of being laughed at by the entire civilized world?
8
Congressman Fat'nold belongs back in Texas with his likes, not in a government of the people.
17
It truly amazes me how the Freedom of Information Act should make the payouts clear to the public but the Congressional Accountability Act totally obscures what is really going on.
The CAA needs to be repealed as congress doesn't work for congress, they work for us.
11
Why all the fuss. There is a line item in the Senate tax bill that will pay these settlements with all of the new revenue to be created by the tax cuts. The wealthy will have a box on their tax returns asking if they want to contribute to the congressional slush fund to pay off these claims. All good, right?
7
It's curious to me why a search for John Conyers turned up an article featuring a Republican harassment settlement.
I don't care about the size of these settlements; these are not standings among sports teams. Publish the entire list in a clear and objective way. Obviously, ALL voters are too self-interested to vote their representatives out of office due to expediency; and the Congressmen are too craven to step down (as are several of our Presidents).
This is a country with no sense of shame, and your making it a partisan score-keeping exercise helps none of us.
Perhaps any anger about Conyers makes us racist. That must be it.
8
Lifelong Democrat here. It's my opinion that Conyers shoud resign ASAP and this Farenthold guy should be kicked out since he's not going to resign. Neither is "look at my you know what" Joe Barton from Texas. Barton just won't run for re-election next year. He should be kicked out too.
BTW, I even thought Bill Clinton should have resigned from his office after the Monica thing broke out. But did my Republican friends give me any credit ? No, they thought I shouldn't even be a Democrat.
Isn't it wonderful how we get to bail out corruption and they get to have tax cuts?
26
When you consider the money misused to control elected officials and others in Washington, this amount is nothing. All those campaign financing accounts, like drug company kickbacks to doctors, need to exposed and clawback for the taxpayers. Why aren't political contributions reported on monthly basis so Americans know how their government is compromised!
7
With the rash of complaints of sexual harassment of female congressional workers, all women working in Congress should be issued uniforms or workplace signs saying "Don't pet me, I'm working."
2
Yet another vexing and disgusting tale from the halls of Congress. This pay out system needs to end, and the American public given all the names and payouts of all the members involved.
Equally disgusting though are those that continue to make this a partisan matter, railing against only the Republicans or as an opportunity to insult Christians. Both parties are totally complicit in this mess. And save your religious bias and digs for another time.
16
George, the only issue I have with your comment is relating Christians as republican only. Republicans do not hold ownership of Christianity
6
Carol, I agree - but some commenters love to attach Christian (in quotation marks, no less) as an epithet and insult, in way they would never consider doing with other religions. That was the only point I was trying to make.
1
Trump's a Republican, as is Roy Moore--and given what the tax bill these clowns just passed will do to working moms and ther kids, there are assuredly some Protestants out there who are gonna have some 'splainin to do to Jesus.
Or as Michael Steele--you remember him; head of the RNC?--said this week, about time for the fundamentalists who've been lecturing the rest of us sinners on their moral superiority to stop.
Agnostics aren't doing this. Atheists aren't. Buddhists and Catholics? Nope.
This is either right-wing fundamentalist Protestants, or guys who say they are.
1
One assumes that these esteemed Congressmen have reported these settlements as income on their tax returns . . . but maybe the ethics investigators should check.
35
Every person who was behind the harassment payments should be required to pay the taxpayers monies back to the Government. It is a shameful and deceitful way to spend the people's money. Shame on all who have been a part of it. Shame on us for permitting it!
33
In the dead of night, every Dec 31st Congress votes itself its yearly raise. $84,000. will be small change by comparison. How about we educate ourselves about the backgrounds of these folks BEFORE we vote them into office?
It is imperative that we take our politics seriously and realize that every aspect of our lives is affected by the very politicians we vote into office.
Education, education, education! And then vote, vote, vote!
18
Our treasonous Congress just voted in a tax bill that will increase the burden on the poor and middle class so that the uber wealthy can take home millions of dollars. It’s not just that this bill passed that is so equal parts infuriating and depressing, it’s that they even sat down to pen it. That there was no moral barometer to stop any of them speaks volumes about the moral, ethical wasteland they inhabit and operate in.
It’s always the one-two punch with this GOP. It’s not just that they rushed through the worst tax bill in the history of this country, one designed to line their own pockets, one 75% of this nation clearly rejected. t’s that we also find out that our taxes go to cover-up crimes ranging from sexual harassment to rape committed while on the job. And they dare to talk about the moral high-ground when they're mired in subterranean depths of depravity?
The only comfort I take from this ongoing freak show--call it the bonfire of the inanities and crimes--is that history has a long arm . Every GOP member who voted last night (will find their pictures in a history book under the banner: Traitors. They have also galvanized millions of us to work to unseat them come midterms.
The future of this country depends on a zero tolerance policy for all acts of harassment, not just sexual ones, and this Congress is now actively harming the electorate it pretends to serve.
It's time we served them...with their walking papers.
27
Charge them with misuse of public funds, sue for recovery of taxpayer funds and damages, and turn them out of office. Not rocket science.
24
I think a little perspective is needed here. Sexual harassment claims arising from the groping lust of an overbearing boss do happen but are not the norm in my experience. More often it is used as a blunt weapon in employment claims, meant to scare the employer to settle a suit that is really based on other employment issues which may or may not be legitimate. I can't say what was the case in Farenhold's matter but for all these folks saying he should pay out of his own pocket certainly don't understand what it is like to be the employer on the end of these charges. In the private sector a business has insurance - Congress apparently uses this fund in a similar manner.
So you are in favor of this congressman using taxpayer dollars to pay for his alleged crime?
9
It's not a criminal matter - it's a civil one. Business and government could not operate if employees were forced to fight their own charges (harassment or otherwise) and settle them - it would bankrupt the employees and the aggrieved employee would likely be unable to collect much money. Remember, if the man was charged with a felony assault he would not be covered for that.
1
These payoffs with my tax money benefited me and the American public how?
3
No wonder Farenthold voted to raise taxes on the middle class. Someone has to pay the $84000 and it certainly won't be him.
19
The scope and breath of all these revelations is simply mind boggling. We all knew that the federal representatives we have chosen are people who are mostly: very rich, liars, self-dealers, and some type of cheater. Now we learn quite a few are also sexual predators…and we the taxpayer get to pay the 'bill' for their wrongs while they fixed the system to hide their misconduct as best as they could.
At first, I blamed them; then I realized the real problem is not them, but it is the citizenry who care so little as to allow these type of people to be elected… and our 'System', that only allows a winner take all result….throwing multiple minority views / worthy, but not well funded - ordinary people candidates, to the dust heap and thus engendering the perpetuation of the same results over and over again.
The problem is not in our stars. Yet we keep looking to the heavens for an answer.
82
My main recourse, and that of many others, is to totally boycott all republican owned businesses and deprive them of as much profit as possible. There will be no holiday shopping or decorations done by my household but just money given to pay the higher utility bills that will come under the republican policies. At least we have no young children in the family anymore so the choices are easy.
2
It is in part the citizenry's problem for allowing these people to be elected to start with. But be aware, some of these folks are VERY good at hiding their behavior. Sometimes even their besties don't know their inner life. They have a public side and a private side. They only let that ID out to play to a select few, and those few are not saying anything b/c they are in the same club doing the same thing.
1
I smell an opportunity to reduce the deficit.
9
The political pigs owe the American people full repayment Plus interest and a letter of resignation .
Also. a law should be enacted that anyone in congress guilty of sexual harassment should be ousted and never be allowed to run for office again.
71
Why? This is not our problem. This cad should pay himself and pay big time. We women are sick of these bestirs including predator Trump---the biggest of the biggies. Step forth ladies and tell us about Trump.
31
Make him (and all the others) pay it all back with interest and then re-write the laws so that these fat, old, creepy dudes must be sanctioned by an ethics committee and be forced to resign.
So degusted with this nonsense. If the law gives them a pass or cover...then fix it by writing a new law.
#OutWiththePervs
59
Congress treats us like the sheep we are.
40
Make all these jerks pay us back, even if it (hopefully) bankrupts and ruins them.
24
84k stimulous package
9
Of all people.....
....why would Blake Farenthold feel it necessary to come onto a woman?
2
Taxpayers Paid $84,000 to End Sex Harassment Claim Against Texas Lawmaker
or...
To end taxpayer harassment. 84000 claim sex $ against paid Texas lawmaker.
Blake Farenthold owes the American people 84K. Disgraceful that these lowlifes can milk the coffers of the American people. I can only hope an amendment/law is submitted that demands all these thousands and millions are paid back! I'm furious that my tax dollars are spent so shamefully!!!
37
........and Americans say that the Mexican government is corrupt!
1
The United States Congress should pass a law prohibiting the use of taxpayer dollars to settle sex harassment claims. Campaign contributions should also not be used for this purpose. Why should our hard earned salaries be used to help perverted lawmakers? PAUL FEINER, Greenburgh NY
19
Given that in NY there was a referendum that cleared the way for "lawmakers" convicted of a felony to be stripped of pensions. I'd also like to see this in federal positions.
None of these House members, to be clear, has been convicted of a crime, and more often the offenses are sub-criminal, but this would put the retrograde jackasses on notice that they can lose the whole cushy package, contact with wealthy donors, and likelihood of post government lobbying jobs.
14
The family values party.
44
They surely have not been for a long time
Private actions, public pays out. Lecher socialism. Good grief.
14
Man, one look at that mug and I can see where the poor victim would be traumatized. She probably spent $84,000 on soap and hot water.
54
How many years would it take you to pay $84,000 in taxes?
15
Sure, this guy is a walking punchline. But he's GOP so his Banana Republican colleagues will probably let him slide.
20
Now WHY are we paying for this? Let 'em pay their own claims
16
Representative Farenthold is one of the most self-righteous "Christians" in the House or Senate. Every day he spews vicious lies to rationalize his equally vicious hate for the poor, for gays, and for our American government itself. How can he be a "Christian" yet his heart seems so hardened towards the sick, the weak, and the poor, all of whom Jesus lauded. Now he's used the very government he decries in the most vile terms to cover up his own sexual misdeeds. Is there anything lower than a self-righteous phony "Christian" politician like Farenthold? I think not.
78
Our taxpayer money went to pay for his sexual misconduct. Outrageous. He should be made to personelly pay 10 times that amount and thrown in jail.
34
Anyone wanna give me odds, his Texas district will re-elect him next timer he runs? I'd say it's 2 to one.
17
Exactly why should the taxpayers have to pay for harassment claims against anyone? That's a disgrace. They make more than enough money to pay for their own sins. If this keeps up we should stop paying taxes....that's not where our money should go. Furthermore they should be unseated...in other words through them out along with that person in the White House who is just as guilty.
13
You're right it is a disgrace. Even if they didn't make enough money, it's not our problem. They should be kicked out.
7
I just can't believe congress has a settlement fund...
15
For all we know the just pased tax bill could include funding for other outrages - no one would know since neither the public nor Democrats or independents were given a copy...
12
Why are they always so ugly? And before I'm accused of mean, personal attacks, stop. I guarantee THIS guy " rates " every Woman he sees. He may want to consider a Presidential Bid. Consider the precedent.
Thanks, GOP.
19
Umm... how can this possibly curb undesirable behavior, or encourage better behavior... if the settlements are secret, and the costs are not borne by the individuals who are behaving badly??
I want the taxpayers to pay my speeding tickets, without ever even knowing that I've gotten speeding tickets, or that THEY are paying for them!
It is tempting to say that we have two systems of justice... one for the 80% of us that can't buy the law, and another for the super-rich... but the one for the rich is really just complete exemption FROM the rule of law.
“Congressional Accountability Act”? The Fox-Henhouse Safety Act.
: ) L
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This is about Congress misuse of government funds.
How did you bring the super rich into this?
Taxpayer dollars funding secret settlements for the sexual misconduct of our elected officials... add that to the reprehensible GOP Tax Bill that may pass a Senate vote, and it's time for some serious tax revolt in this country.
20
Instead of using them for settling harassment claims, maybe this fellow should have tried to use these funds for a nice weight loss program - atleast he wouldn't need to harass anyone to 'get' things besides he probably can live longer than his 52/53 when he is bound to get his heart attack.
Time Mr. Cheat paid us back or served time. Republicans really know how to spend and/or pocket middle class hard earned cash.,
6
Maybe if these guys had to pay the settlement money themselves, they'd think twice. Why are we taxpayers on the hook for the bad behavior of these creeps?
33
That's just a great way to end this week. Who authorized paying for this Republican? When will the tax payers get their money back? I refuse to pay for this bailout of yet another Republican hypocrite.
118
The sane ones who authorized payments for the Democrats.
3
But you've already written out checks for Franken and Conyers and Kihuen and . . .
Try living in his gerrymandered district. He is virtually unseen around here. Go to one of his town halls, what an eye opener. Texas has changed from a honorable state to a state that has been overrun by these hypocrites.
Boy, their hands are so deep in the cookie jar we can't even see their elbows. Just when we think there is nothing left to disappoint us, Congress comes through will a new abomination.
8
Why are taxpayers paying for sexual harassment settlements by CongressMEN? What other secret taxpayer funds do these people have?
19
Who negotiated that settlement!?! I could watch a rerun of L.A. Law and do better than that!
3
Require these men to reimburse us, the taxpayers.
As for this guy, he's toast in Texas whether he's guilty of sexual harassment or not; using taxpayer money to pay someone off won't be tolerated down here.
1
He's "toast in Texas? Aren't there any Trump supporters in his district?
3
Tom--what does Trump have to do with this? Did Trump personally ok the payout of $85K?
Why didn't Obama expose this slush fund? Trump supporters see it as finally being exposed because Trump is in office.
As for his district, they will replace him with another Republican.
Most would have charged him 84K for a hand job.
4
tx all about small government unless hurricanes or harassment
2
And unless the hurricanes hit THEIR district, and not a blue one...
3
Where are the House Leaders call for this Republican's resignation? Nancy Pelosi snd the Dems take the high ground to all of our detriment, yet again. Obama's high ground got us Trump! We need to stop stepping in it .. fools. The true high ground is that we all unite and work together to galvanize everyone that believes in Democracy to get vocal and to vote these people out of office. We need representatives that actually represent us! In order to counter all the "tricks, lies and cheating" we have come to expect in our elections due to our corrupted system, we need no less than an additional 15% of the electorate to effect change. We CAN do this together! We must act now!
5
The US Government and taxpayers should not provide for defense or payment for illegal activities of people who work for the government. If they do, then how can the government spend time in jail for them for their crimes when they commit illegal activities that are criminal?
Doesn't make sense at all. My location is and name is WR Morgan.
2
They lie, take advantage and steal .. and that’s just what some of our rotten politicians do to us as their constituents.
After all of the attention on high profile figures it’s good to see these twisted individuals exposed for who they really are so the victims of their abuse can start to feel some sense of justice.
Does the GOP tax bill include a provision saying "No taxpayer funds may be used to settle legislators' personal legal problems" ? If so, maybe it's worth it...
3
The sad thing is the amount should be much, much higher if it weren't for the fact that it is nearly impossible for these men and women to sue for harassment and discrimination. I wonder what the true cost would have been after reading about the crazy, arbitrary rules, hurdles and barriers put in place to discourage and prevent people from seeking redress or help. Congress is a cesspool. The NDAs should be nullified since we, the taxpayers, are the ones who paid.
1
This is despicable. Is there any way these congressmen can be made to repay this money to the taxpayers?
6
I'd like to hear the details of the age discrimination claim. As a matter of fact, I hope victims of age discrimination are the next "Me Too" campaign to be brought to public attention. The widespread practice of age discrimination seems to have received virtually no attention from our legislators. Particularly odd, when you consider their average age is 15 to 20 years older than the average American worker.
7
Joanne, we cannot ever prove age discrimination. There is always a good reason why we're let go. There is always a good reason why we're not hired.
Count the number of times you hear someone say, with a sneer, "That old guy. That old gal." Then count the sneers about "That young guy. That young gal."
We are not wanted.
1
How is this legal? I wish some Dem with integrity would sue for misuse of public funds (?) or something! This is so outrageous and I haven't heard anyone seeming to pay attention.
13
Well if every Congressman who engaged in sexual harassment resigned the halls of Congress would soon be empty. I think we should be happy to corner the big offenders like this one who is guilty not only of harassment but fraud!
Sexual harassment probably will never completely go away but there should be laws that distinguish and punish and remove from office the most abhorrent and obscene of these individuals, for example President Trump.
2
If someone told me I have 84K to pay a woman who says you harrased her and she will take the cash and go away, I would say pay her. I would not care if she deserved it or if I was innocent. I am not losing a dime. The system was broken These settlements have little bearing on culpability.
2
This is my tax money. I need details on how it was spent. I want to know and I deserve to know. I'll bet that would not sit well with these abusers. It is time to end this practice.
5
Yup it’s a good time to be a politician. These congressmen are the smartest Americans it’s the rest of the country that stupidly blindly votes them into office and does not demand accountability.
5
What deterrent is there when the taxpayers pay the penalty?
No wonder there were SIX of them.
5
The real question is how do these characters get elected in the first place? Let's not forget it was Blake who suggested Sen. Susan Collins should be punished for her independence in daring to oppose the ACA repeal earlier this year.
5
"The real question is how do these characters get elected in the first place? "
It's easy in the red states, just say you believe in " Christian" family values, small government, lower taxes, strong defense, and worship the flag and guns, and look at immigrants and Muslims as people who are out to get you and your fellow "real Americans."
3
"Mr. Farenthold’s relationship with Ms. Greene have been known for several years."
"Air-grab" photos, sticking tongue down the throat, asking to touch certain areas, etc. demand punishment.
But we must be careful crying wolf that can undermine the fight against sexual abuse.
Like:
- those who claim sexual abuse when relationship goes sour
- those who release intimate pictures that were taken when dating
- those who leak private locker room talk where no woman was present
- those who allege something happened before we were even born
Seen in that context, what is Mr. Farenthold guilty of?
Other than spending our money without our consent.
"those who release intimate pictures that were taken when dating"
Sorry dude, that's not crying wolf.
Actually, let me amend my previous reply, now that i realized what you were talking about. My bad, i thought you were talking about the other way around.
1
Veteran discrimination? Age Discrimination? Disability Discrimination? Oh, aren't these things GOP priorities?
3
Conyers' settlement cost $27,000
Farentholdt's was $84,000
That leaves $16,889,000 paid out in settlements that we know nothing about. I'm willing to bet that balance is heavily weighted toward the Republicans. If it wasn't you know they would be screaming to have the truth about the settlements made public. Instead, all is quiet on the right side of the aisle. Could it be they fear their tax bill wouldn't stand a chance if the public knew?
15
How much taxpayer money, if any, was paid to settle claims against Mark Foley, Dennis Hastert, John Shimkus and others in the 2006 page scandal? Shimkus is still in Congress, and others might also remain in Congress. What's been released so far goes back only to 2013. It's our money. We should know how much, if any, has been spent to settle claims going back as far as records exist, particularly any filed against any sitting member of Congress. And whatever fund this money has been coming from should be abolished. Why should taxpayers whose representatives have done nothing wrong pay for shenanigans by representatives from other states, or districts, who don't represent them? Indeed, if my representative harassed someone, he or she should pay out of their own pocket, not mine.
This reminds me of the congressional check kiting scheme from way back. My guess is, this fund isn't long for this world. It never should have been created.
5
The congressman and his chief of staff should both resign or be removed from office, but not before an open investigation by the Ethics Committee.
They should have to answer questions about their behavior in open hearings so we can find out what they used our tax money to cover up.
Tax money should not be paying any of these settlements. Since it did, Congress needs to account for it.
150
Hearings will be useless, unless you like seeing repeat takings of the fifth on CSPAN. Resign is best. Shove them out. You too, Al.
1
the GOP has become the perv party. Democrats ask the pervs to resign but not the family values party, LOL.
74
I'm waiting for the democrats to demand Franken resign. Hopefully Conyers does the same - and Farenthold, too.
3
Remember Farenthold's the guy who complained that a couple of "female Senators from the Northeast" wouldn't kill the ACA and challenged Collins to a duel
http://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/343629-collins-on-hot-mic-farenthol...
Also, look at his posts at this link.
https://www.wired.com/story/blake-farenthold-message-board-posts/
He describes how to block calls from a sexual harasser, claiming he was blocking a woman. My guess is that he changed the facts a bit in the story; probably she blocked him.
According to Wikipedia, he thinks that the DNC hack was an "inside job", voted to gut the Congressional office of ethics, and was a "conservative" (of course) radio host before joining the Republicans in Congress
"After the Donald Trump and Billy Bush recording was made public, Fahrentold was asked what it would take for him to rescind his endorsement, and whether Trump saying "I really like raping women" would be sufficient, Fahrentold said that he "would have to consider it." Fahrentold later apologized,"
And this guy is a Republican Congressman from Texas
169
Am thinking fahrentold is looking for a cabinet spot and with a record like his I'm sure he's a strong contender. Glad us taxpayers could help this guy out.
2
It is obvious that the Republicans could care less about sexual harassment. And it is them who have made taxpayers pay...the ones who support this pathetic party in the first place. So if these "taxpayers" keep electing these filthy types, well to me they deserve it. Moore is just the next one and they show how crooked they are by having such a low standard. They just keep adding to their despicable behavior. Anything to win. No morals, no scruples, and for me no guts.
3
If he’s forced to resign, he could establish residency and run for office in Alabama.
I wonder if Paul Ryan will call on Mr. Farenthold to resign. Doubt it.
207
I wonder if Chuck Schumer will call on Mr. Franken to resign. Doubt it.
1
Consider this: College students and their families are facing being newly taxed on any tuition assistance they get from the colleges they work for, the Republicans arguing that this should be regarded as "income." BUT, lawmakers who avoid criminal prosecution for harassing and/or assaulting employees by using taxpayer funds to settle these cases are NOT TAXED or even billed! Think about this for a moment.
456
Yes, Conyers (age 88) and Franken should resign. Today. Now.
1
Agree but I'd go a little further: They should be footing the bill themselves, out of their own pockets. I'm sure they can buy insurance if they need to minimize their potential exposure.
And on top of this, all who benefited from this fund should be forced to pay it back to us taxpayers 100%.
It's outrageous that taxpayers are underwriting this.
Not to mention these guys should be sacked...
8
If you have ever talked to an accountant about taxes, you would know that if it is income, it's income. If you receive an in-kind gift that has a dollar value to it, it is likely to be taxable as income.
Now, back to the subject... with hundreds of claims against this slush fund and the latest and more lurid cases involving two leading Democrats, I find this article to be a deliberate attempt to deflect some of the ire back across the aisle. Personally, I don't have a problem with that. There is plenty of stink to go around. I think all of these folks should be sent packing from their jobs. Some ought to go to jail.
Little wonder our "elected representatives" prostitute themselves to the rich and powerful. Best job in the world....
144
The prostituting is not across the board. So far it is the Republicans who reign. They lie, they cheat, like Nixon, and they commit crimes and shout "Lock Her Up" at their opponents. And they now control our Country. So what is sexual harassment to them? Or complicity with Russia? Or perviness with younger girls? Or killing hundreds with the guns they are paid (by the NRA) to support. In fact if they are going to tax student aid as income how about the contributions they receive from people like the Koch brothers, or from the NRA?
7
Why are taxpayers paying to settle cases brought against members of the House for wrongful conduct? Surely sexual harassment would not be considered to be within the scope of their official duties; at least, I hope not.
252
sorry it is pretty much anything they do wrong is covered by the taxpayer and 90 percent of the time we never know, even when they are busted, settle out of court, admit guilt. etc. etc. the taxpayers are still on the lame for a certain period of time for their security and they also get the best free medical care no matter the outcome of their cases for life and pretty much always still get their full government pensions
3
Surely you don't expect them to pay the settlements out of their own pockets!
Their wives might find out!
9
Exempt from insider trading laws, able to use taxpayer money to pay off victims of their sexual harassment -- it's as if every night is The Purge when you're a Member of Congress.
133
How can the US electorate allow these absurdities?
I'd eliminate all exemptions from the laws they pass and the rest of us must follow.
Too bad the Congressional Accountability Act didn't prevent Farenthold from acting like a pig towards his staff. He should resign immediately.
120
Only $84k. where did the rest of the millions go? Let's see full disclosure. It's our money after all.
156
Congress would disagree with you that it's our money. From their point of view it belongs to them.
3