Tenney Questions Simone Grimes on Sexual Harassment Allegations Against FHFA Director Mel Watt

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22), member of the U.S. House Financial Services Committee, questioned Simone Grimes on her accusations of sexual harassment against Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mel Watt. Director Watt was appointed and confirmed in 2014.
Simone Grimes is a senior staffer and Special Advisor at FHFA. In 2018, Ms. Grimes accused Director Watt of sexual advances when she approached him about possible career and salary opportunities throughout 2016. Starting in 2016 and continuing through 2018, Ms. Grimes met with Director Watt in and out of the office, where she asserts that Director Watt made numerous advances. Ms. Grimes has filed suit against Director Watt and the FHFA for an Equal Pay Act Violation in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
"Sexual harassment is an abuse of power. What we heard today during Ms. Grimes testimony detailed a neglect of duty on all ends in ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation of her allegations at the FHFA. Today's testimony highlighted serious allegations of an abuse of power at the FHFA. As an attorney and during my time in the Assembly, I have always fought relentlessly against sexual harassment in the workplace, and I would like to thank Ms. Grimes for her willingness to allow us to listen to her story today," said Rep. Tenney.
Congresswoman Tenney has always stood at the forefront of combatting sexual violence in the workplace and abuse of power in our government. In Congress, she worked to pass H. Res. 630 which would require all members of the House of Representatives, employees, interns and fellows to complete mandatory anti-harassment and anti-discrimination training. She also voted to pass HR 4924, Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act as well as H Res 724, the House Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policies.
Additionally, in the New York State Assembly, Rep. Tenney was the first to call for Silver's resignation in 2012 after it emerged that he was using taxpayer funds to cover up sexual harassment of young women by former Assemblyman Vito Lopez.
Watch Rep. Tenney's questioning of Simone Grimes here.

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