Ernst joins Gillibrand on sexual harassment bill

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, is being joined by Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and a number of other Republicans on a bill aimed at curbing sexual harassment in Congress.

Eight Republicans joined a dozen Democrats in unveiling the bill, called the Congressional Harassment Reform Act.

The bill would eliminate forced mediation, extent protection to interns and fellows, forces members to pay for claims if they're found personally liable and requires settlements to be publicly disclosed unless a victim wants to keep them private.

In a statement, Ernst said there should be no tolerance for sexual harassment. "This bipartisan legislation takes the necessary steps to provide victims with greater protections and choice, holds Members of Congress liable for their wrongdoings, and protects taxpayer dollars," she said.