House Intelligence Committee investigating CIA handling of sexual assault complaints

Originally Published: 21 APR 23 18:59 ET

By Zachary Cohen, CNN

    (CNN) -- The House Intelligence Committee is investigating the CIA's handling of sexual assault and harassment cases, CNN has confirmed.

The bipartisan probe comes as multiple female CIA employees have approached the committee since the beginning of this year and told lawmakers the agency is discouraging women from filing sexual misconduct complaints, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Politico was first to report the committee's investigation.

"Sexual assault is a heinous crime. Our committee is committed to addressing this matter and protecting those who are serving their country. We have been in contact with Director [William] Burns, and he is fully committed to working with us on this issue," the panel's Republican chairman Rep. Mike Turner and top Democrat Rep. Jim Himes said in a joint statement.

Turner and Himes sent a letter to Burns last week asking for the CIA's help looking into the issue, the source said.

In a statement, the CIA said, "There can be no tolerance for sexual assault or harassment at CIA. The Director and senior CIA leaders have personally met with officers to understand their concerns and to take swift action. We have established an office to work closely with survivors of sexual assault, and we are committed to treating every concern raised by members of the workforce with the utmost seriousness."

"Our senior leadership team, including the Director, continues to be fully engaged on this issue and is tracking it closely. We are committed to supporting the House Intelligence Committee's investigation and are keeping the Committee updated on our progress," the agency added.

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