US committee sets sexual harassment hearing

Washington, Nov 4 (IANS) A key US House committee will hold a hearing on sexual harassment later this month focusing on whether Congress is doing enough internally to prevent such behaviour, the media reported.

The House Administration Committee, which has jurisdiction over day-to-day operations of the chamber, will hold a November 14 hearing on the issue, Chairman Gregg Harper announced on Friday.

The hearing is part of a review of House policy on sexual harassment ordered by House Speaker Paul Ryan, reports Politico.

"This is an important issue and the House of Representatives is committed to preventing any form of harassment.

"We need to make certain that the House provides the needed sexual harassment awareness training, as well as policies that support a person's rights to report when they have been victimized," Harper said in a statement.

Earlier on Friday, Ryan had sent an email to all House offices urging members and staffers to undergo sexual harassment training, Politico reported.

"First, let me be absolutely clear that any form of harassment has no place in this institution. Each of us has a responsibility to ensure a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

"To that end, I strongly encourage you to complete sexual harassment training and to mandate for your staff," the email said.

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