Huffman, Bonamici, González-Colón, Salazar Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Sexual Harassment & Assault at NOAA

April 28, 2023

WASHINGTON, DC [04/28/23] – Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA), Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR), and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation during Sexual Assault Awareness Month to prevent sexual assault and harassment at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

“Sexual assault and harassment cannot be tolerated in any workplace, let alone our own federal workforce. But it has been a pervasive problem at NOAA, and we must do more to create a safe environment for those who work for the agency,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “Our bipartisan legislation will build out prevention and response policies within NOAA and increase accountability so we can prioritize the safety and well-being of employees and survivors.”   

“NOAA’s scientists and researchers are doing critical work to advance our knowledge of the ocean and climate,” said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. “NOAA employees often work in remote locations and on vessels where some have encountered sexual assault and harassment. Progress has been made over the years, but there is still work to do. I’m introducing the NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act with Reps. González-Colón, Huffman, and Salazar to focus on prevention and to support survivors.”

“NOAA is a vital partner for Puerto Rico and coastal communities nationwide,” said Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón. “I have long supported legislation to strengthen their mission, from within the agency to the services and programs they provide. This includes policies to ensure employees can operate in a safe environment. I’m thrilled to reintroduce the bipartisan NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act alongside Representatives Bonamici, Huffman, and Salazar. No NOAA employee, nor anyone in their workspace, should be subject to sexual harassment and sexual assault. We must ensure the agency has the right mechanisms in place to guard against these attacks and be prepared to assist and empower survivors. I invite my colleagues to support this important legislation.”

“Preventing sexual assault and harassment continues to be a top priority of mine in Congress,” said Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar. “We must be especially vigilant in protecting employees in remote locations or on the open water. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this legislation, which will enact stronger protections for NOAA employees and increase transparency at the agency.”

The bipartisan NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act, H.R. 2990, will strengthen NOAA's sexual assault and sexual harassment prevention and response program, coordinate claims, improve reporting, and better support survivors. NOAA employs approximately 12,000 people, with many working in remote locations or aboard vessels to conduct science and research about climate, weather, the ocean, and coast.

The NOAA Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act will:

  • Expand coverage of NOAA’s sexual harassment prevention and response policy.
  • Direct NOAA to provide a clear mechanism for anonymous reports of sexual harassment.
  • Provide a secure reporting structure for survivors.
  • Expand reports to Congress on sexual harassment, sexual assault, and equal opportunity employment.
  • Improve the ability of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement to enforce a prohibition on assault, intimidation, and interference with fisheries observers.

A summary of the legislation can be found here. A copy of the bill text can be found here.

Bonamici and González-Colón are Co-Chairs of the House Oceans Caucus. Bonamici has been outspoken about the need to end sexual harassment in the workplace. She has long advocated for survivors of sexual harassment at NOAA and has worked with the agency over the past several. Years to improve its policies.