The 4 Congressmen Staying In Congress Despite Sexual Misconduct Accusations

Daily CallerFour members of Congress, three Democrats and one Republican, have indicated that they will finish out their terms despite facing accusations of engaging in or covering up sexual misconduct.

Rep. Ruben Kihuen (D-NV)

Democratic Nevada Rep. Ruben Kihuen has said he will at least remain in Congress through the end of his first term. Kihuen is accused of sexually harassing his campaign finance director, who quit during the primary after he allegedly demanded sex from her on multiple occasions and touched her thighs.

Pelosi stated Kihuen should resign, but he said he has no intention of doing so and accused Pelosi of being a hypocrite. Pelosi, Kihuen claims, knew about the harassment claims during the election and still supported his candidacy. Pelosi denied that claim. (RELATED: Democrat Accused Of Sexual Harassment: Pelosi Knew And Did Nothing About It)

Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-TX)

Texas Republican Rep. Blake Farenthold used $84,000 of taxpayer money to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit with a female staffer in 2014 after she complained about a hostile work environment, sexual harassment and gender discrimination. Farenthold and his current chief of staff, Bob Haueter, reportedly directed a constant stream of lewd and explicit comments at former spokeswoman Lauren Greene.

Farenthold fired Greene in retaliation after she complained about the alleged harassment, according to her lawsuit. The Office of Congressional Ethics cleared Farenthold of wrongdoing. He has pledged to repay taxpayers for the settlement. He has announced his retirement, but he plans to serve out the rest of his term.

Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) 

Democratic Rep. Gregory Meeks is accused of firing a female staffer in retaliation for reporting a donor-related sexual assault. Meeks fired the staffer, Andrea Payne, just weeks after she filed a complaint with the Office of Compliance. Meeks admitted that Payne’s firing was unrelated to the quality of her work, according to her lawsuit.

The House used taxpayer funds in 2006 to settle the staffer’s accusations against the congressman. Meeks is under no pressure to resign and has given no indication that he plans to do so, but he did introduce a resolution calling for a congressional investigation of harassment accusations against President Trump. (RELATED: House Settled Lawsuit After Meeks Fired Staffer Who Reported Sexual Assault Related To Donor)

Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-FL) 

Democratic Florida Rep. Alcee Hastings allegedly made sexual advances and harassed a committee staffer while he was chairman of that committee. American taxpayers shelled out $220,000 to settle sexual harassment accusations against Hastings in 2014. Hastings claimed he was falsely accused and had no knowledge of the settlement.

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