WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley is cosponsoring legislation to address and prevent sexual harassment and assault at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The proposal follows allegations of sexual assault involving NOAA staff and contractors, and addresses inadequate reporting and protection protocols for victims.

“The trauma faced by victims of sexual abuse and harassment shouldn’t be compounded by inadequate and obsolete procedures and protocol for reporting abuse,” Grassley said.  “This bill will help ensure that victims have an advocate and a place to go where they can feel safe.”

Late last year, Grassley and Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune raised concerns about claims of sexual abuse and harassment involving individuals working on NOAA assets. They also questioned the effectiveness of the current reporting system that directs victims to disclose misconduct through the chain of command, which may include the alleged perpetrator.  

To improve responses to sexual misconduct at NOAA and prevent future instances of abuse, Grassley is cosponsoring the NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Act.  The bill requires NOAA to adopt policies similar to the Coast Guard’s Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Program, which includes:
•    A victim advocate program;
•    A 24-hour reporting hotline;
•    Clear response procedures;
•    The victim’s right to be protected from the accused; and 
•    A process for a victim to request a unit transfer.

The bill also ensures victims have access to relevant harassment response personnel throughout the agency, including in aviation and marine centers.  It extends these protections to all agency employees and anyone who works with or conducts business on behalf of NOAA, including officers, wage mariners, volunteers, researchers and interns.

To improve diversity at the agency, the bill authorizes new recruiting and retention tools to help recruit minority candidates and retain senior female officers, all without increasing spending.

For more information on the NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Act, see the following documents:

•    Bill Text
•    Section-by-Section

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