Congress Votes to Keep Sexual Harassment Settlement Records Secret

357 members of Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, voted to block the release of records related to sexual harassment claims against lawmakers.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In a controversial move, 357 members of Congress, including 175 Republicans and 182 Democrats, voted to refer a resolution that would have forced the release of records related to sexual harassment claims against lawmakers to a committee, effectively killing the measure. The resolution, proposed by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-SC, aimed to direct the House Committee on Ethics to publicly release all records of investigations into members of Congress for sexual harassment, unwelcome sexual advances, and sexual assault. Critics argue this vote is an attempt to cover up misconduct and protect predators in Congress.

Why it matters

This vote highlights the lack of transparency and accountability around sexual harassment issues in Congress. Taxpayer funds have been used to settle an unknown number of sexual harassment claims against members of Congress, but the identities of those involved have been kept secret. This vote suggests that many lawmakers, from both parties, are more interested in protecting themselves and the institution than addressing misconduct and supporting victims.

The details

The resolution was proposed by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-SC, who argued that Congress has been "sweeping this under the rug for far too long." She cited the case of Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-TX, who is facing an investigation over an alleged affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide. Mace said the American people "deserve to know when their so-called 'representative' is abusing power instead of serving their constituents." However, the majority of Congress, 357 members, voted to refer the resolution to committee, effectively killing it. Only 65 members, 38 Republicans and 27 Democrats, voted against the motion to refer it to committee.

  • On March 6, 2026, 357 members of Congress voted to refer the resolution to committee.

The players

Nancy Mace

A Republican U.S. Representative from South Carolina who proposed the resolution to force the release of records related to sexual harassment claims against members of Congress.

Tony Gonzales

A Republican U.S. Representative from Texas who is facing an investigation over an alleged affair with a former staffer who later died by suicide.

Thomas Massie

A Republican U.S. Representative from Kentucky who has been calling for the release of names of members of Congress involved in sexual harassment settlements.

Lauren Boebert

A Republican U.S. Representative from Colorado who expressed disgust at the vote to keep the sexual harassment records secret.

Anna Paulina Luna

A Republican U.S. Representative from Florida who chastised members for "protecting" Rep. Gonzales and prioritizing winning elections over addressing misconduct.

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What they’re saying

“Congress has been sweeping this under the rug for far too long. Tony Gonzales may be the latest example, but he's not the only one.”

— Nancy Mace, U.S. Representative

“Staff deserve to come to work without being harassed by their bosses. Women deserve to be safe. And the American people deserve to know when their so-called 'representative' is abusing power instead of serving their constituents. No more hiding. No more excuses. It's time to end the cover-up and drag the truth into the light.”

— Nancy Mace, U.S. Representative

“Don't we all campaign on transparency? Millions of dollars have been used in this slush fund as hush money to silence victims who have been sexually harassed, sexually abused by members of Congress. Now Congress is going to do exactly what it does best: investigate itself. And we know that none of that ever goes anywhere. The American people demand transparency.”

— Lauren Boebert, U.S. Representative

“It's wrong that we cover up … and won't censure our own side.”

— Anna Paulina Luna, U.S. Representative

“Both parties colluded to protect predators. They voted to keep sexual harassment records buried, and they did it together.”

— Nancy Mace, U.S. Representative

What’s next

The House Ethics Committee has opened an investigation into the allegations against Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-TX. The outcome of this investigation and any potential disciplinary actions against Gonzales or other members of Congress involved in sexual harassment claims will be closely watched.

The takeaway

This vote highlights the lack of transparency and accountability around sexual harassment issues in Congress. It suggests that many lawmakers, from both parties, are more interested in protecting themselves and the institution than addressing misconduct and supporting victims. The American people deserve to know when their representatives are abusing power, and this vote is a setback in the fight for greater transparency and accountability in Congress.