Report: Treasury Paid $220,000 to Settle Hastings Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

The Treasury Department paid $220,000 in a previously undisclosed agreement to settle a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment involving Florida Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings, Roll Call reported Friday.

But Hastings told Roll Call he never knew about the settlement — and was "outraged" taxpayer money was "needlessly paid."

"Until this evening, I had not seen the settlement agreement between the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) and Ms.[Winsome] Packer," the lawmaker said in a statement Friday night.

"This matter was handled solely by the Senate chief counsel for employment. At no time was I consulted, nor did I know until after the fact that such a settlement was made."

Hastings said the lawsuit filed by Packer, a former staff member of a congressional commission that promotes international human rights, and an investigation by the House Ethics Committee were ultimately dismissed. At the time, Hastings was the chairman of the CSCE, Roll Call reported.

"I am outraged that any taxpayer dollars were needlessly paid to Ms. Packer," he told Roll Call.

Hastings, who has served in Congress since 1993, is the latest congressman to be caught up in a sexual harassment scandal.

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