Grassley-Cosponsored NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Legislation Clears Commerce Committee

Statement

The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously approved the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Act to improve NOAA's response to harassment or abuse in the workplace. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley helped craft key provisions of the version that won committee approval. The reforms follow whistleblower accounts of inadequate procedures to assist victims of abuse at NOAA.

"Victims of sexual abuse and harassment should not be forced to endure insufficient reporting and support programs in the midst of recovering from their experiences. This bill ensures that victims have reliable access to advocates who can provide a safe place and needed guidance in a difficult time. I applaud the Senate Commerce Committee for recognizing the need for these important reforms to protect and empower victims of abuse and harassment at NOAA," Grassley said.

The bill would require NOAA to develop policies to protect its approximately 12,000 employees. Among its major provisions, the bill calls for:

Specified procedures for reporting incidents, including those occurring after business hours, at sea, or in other remote geographically isolated locations;

Availability of advocates to aid victims through the reporting and adjudication process;

Protection for the rights of accusers and the accused, including changes of duty station;

Yearly reporting on the status of efforts to implement the new policies.

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