Republican Fahrentold won't run again amid sexual harassment revelations
Republican U.S. Representative Blake Farenthold will not seek re-election in 2018, the latest politician to pay a price for allegations of sexual misconduct.
The House of Representative's ethics committee said last week it was investigating Farenthold, 55, over allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation involving a former female staff member.
It has been reported by Politico that a lawsuit was settled for $84,000 US stemming from incidents dating back nearly five years. Farenthold has said he'll repay the amount, which based on current laws, is billed to taxpayers.
CNN followed up late Wednesday with more details of Farenthold's alleged behaviour, based on a former staffer's account.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican from Wisconsin, on Thursday called the most recent report "disconcerting." He said Farenthold was doing the right thing by stepping aside and retiring.
Ryan was asked the previous day whether Congress would stop using taxpayer dollars to settle similar cases.
"Yes, that's among the things we're working on right now," he said.
Farenthold has represented the 27th district in Texas since 2011.
The current wave of allegations and confirmations of sexual misconduct among powerful men across all walks of life in the U.S. has included Capitol Hill.
Farenthold joins a list that includes Republican congressman Trent Franks, Democratic Senator Al Franken and Democratic congressman John Conyers as men who won't serve on Capitol Hill in the new year as a result.
