[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 122 (Thursday, July 19, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H6562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ENDING HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE

  (Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the 
bipartisan, bicameral EMPOWER Act.
  The goal of this consequential legislation is simple: create safe 
workplaces and a society where everyone can thrive.
  We all have the right to work in a safe environment, but over the 
past months we have heard stories of individuals from all walks of 
life. We have seen how widespread harassment is, and the culture of 
silence. In fact, according to the EEOC, it is estimated that 90 
percent of harassment incidents never get reported. That is why we need 
this bill.
  The EMPOWER Act outlines what sexual harassment is, creates systems 
that foster accountability, and removes the fear of retaliation that 
keeps so many victims from coming forward. By removing that fear of 
reporting, eradicating deceptive nondisclosure agreements, and 
increasing transparency, we are taking meaningful steps to make our 
workplaces harassment-free and creating a culture of respect throughout 
society.
  From Harvey Weinstein to factory floors to Time's Up and the #MeToo 
movement, we are going from a moment to a movement to action. I ask 
that my colleagues join me in supporting this bill.

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