Sexual Harassment Claims Against Alcee Hastings

The Treasury Department in 2014 paid $220,000 in a previously undisclosed agreement to settle a lawsuit alleging sexual harassment that involved Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL). Roll Call reports that Winsome Packer, a former staff member of a congressional commission that promotes international human rights, said in documents that the Congressman touched her, made unwanted sexual advances, and threatened her job. At the time, Hastings was the Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, where Packer worked. Hastings denied the allegations, calling them ludicrous. “Until this evening, I had not seen the settlement agreement between the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) and Ms. Packer,” the Congressman said in a statement on Friday. “This matter was handled solely by the Senate Chief Counsel for Employment. At no time was I consulted, nor did I know until after the fact that such a settlement was made.” He went on to say that the lawsuit that Packer filed against him and an investigation by the House Ethics Committee were ultimately dismissed. “I am outraged that any taxpayer dollars were needlessly paid to Ms. Packer,” he said. More here.