Treasury paid nearly $1 million for harassment, other claim settlements in Congress in 2017 alone

Nearly $1 million in taxpayer-funded settlements have been paid to eight victims of sexual harassment and other work-related issues on Capitol Hill in 2017, according to a congressional Office of Compliance report released late Thursday. Last year, 15 victims were compensated a total of $588,049. In total, 264 victims have been paid a total of $17 million since 1997. Most years ranged from seven to 18 settlements. In 2002, only 10 settlements were reported, but a total of $3.97 million was paid to victims, which is significantly higher than the average award amount.