Ryan: 'Indefensible' to Use Taxpayer Money to Settle Sexual Harassment Cases

Congress is working on a plan to stop using taxpayer dollars to settle sexual harassment cases against lawmakers, House Speaker Paul Ryan told Wisconsin's WISN Radio's "The Jay Weber Show" on Wednesday.

The Wisconsin Republican said that congressional committees are currently working on a "wholesale reform package" for sexual misconduct procedures that includes halting the use of taxpayer dollars to settle these cases.

Ryan said such use of taxpayer dollars in this way is "indefensible."

Both chambers of Congress also have voted to mandate sexual harassment training for members and staff.

In recent weeks, three congressmen have resigned over sexual misconduct allegations - Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) and Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.), The Hill reported.

Conyers allegedly used $27,000 in taxpayer money to settle a wrongful dismissal charge by a former employee in 2015, according to the New York Post.

Reports of other taxpayer-funded settlements also have emerged, including $84,000 paid to settle a claim by a former staffer for Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Texas).

• Arizona Republican Trent Franks Resigns From House Immediately
• Cummings: Double Standard in Play With Sex Harassment Cases