Directing the Committee on Ethics to preserve and publicly release records of the Committee's review of violations or alleged violations of clause 9 (as it pertains to acts of sexual harassment) and clause 18 of rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives.

Legislative Summary: H.Res. 1072 (119th Congress)

Overview

H.Res. 1072 is a House Resolution designed to increase transparency and accountability regarding sexual harassment within the United States House of Representatives. The resolution specifically targets the records of the House Committee on Ethics concerning investigations into violations of House rules related to sexual misconduct.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this resolution is to ensure that records of sexual harassment allegations are not destroyed and are made accessible to the public. The bill is predicated on the principle that sexual harassment undermines the safety, dignity, and integrity of the House of Representatives' proceedings.

Key Provisions

The resolution mandates two primary actions by the Committee on Ethics:

1. Preservation of Records: The Committee must preserve all documents and investigative materials related to any actual or alleged violations of Clause 9 (specifically as it pertains to sexual harassment) and Clause 18 of Rule XXIII of the Rules of the House.
2. Public Disclosure: Within 60 days of the resolution's adoption, the Committee is required to release all related materials to the public. This includes:
   • Final reports and conclusions.
   • Draft reports and recommendations.
   • Attachments, exhibits, and accompanying materials.

Privacy Protection: To protect the privacy and safety of those affected, the resolution explicitly requires that all personally identifiable information of victims or alleged victims be redacted before the records are made public.

Who is Affected?

• The Committee on Ethics: The Committee is tasked with the administrative burden of preserving and redacting these records.
• House Members, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners: Any individual in these roles who has been the subject of a sexual harassment investigation under the specified House rules will have those investigative records released.
• The Public: Citizens gain greater transparency into how the House handles internal allegations of sexual misconduct.

Timeline and Status

• Deadline for Disclosure: Records must be released no later than 60 days after the resolution is adopted.
• Current Status: As of February 23, 2026, the resolution has been submitted in the House and referred to the House Committee on Ethics.