The Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) has resources to help legislative branch employees and employing offices understand the new provisions of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA) Reform Act.
As of June 19, when the Act is fully effective:
- A new confidential advisor is available, free of charge, to consult with covered employees about their rights under the CAA and the revised OCWR procedures.
- Secure access to the confidential advising, mediation, hearings, and appeals processes provided by the OCWR is available for legislative branch employees who work outside of the D.C. area.
- The CAA’s workplace protections prohibiting discrimination and harassment extend to unpaid employees, including interns and fellows.
- Details about the CAA protections and the new procedures at the OCWR are described in notices that employing offices are now required to post. Still need one? Download one now or pick up a copy in the House mailroom (Longworth B-240), Senate mailroom (Dirksen-B28), or at the OCWR (LOC Adams Bldg LA-200).
- The first-ever survey of legislative branch offices about their workplace culture will launch later this year.
- A revised administrative dispute resolution (ADR) process is now in place. (See this chart for an overview.)
- A secure, online e-filing system is now available to covered employees who wish to file a claim under the CAA. Click to file a claim or view ADR forms. All claim forms must be either e-filed (https://socrates.ocwr.gov), emailed (OCWRefile@ocwr.gov), faxed (202-426-1913), or hand-delivered to: John Adams Building, 110 Second Street, SE, Room LA-200, Washington, DC 20540-1999.
Questions? Please contact us at 202-724-9250.
Read FAQs about the Reform Act
Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (CAA), as revised by CAA Reform Act (updated June 19, 2019)