Controversy surrounds lawmakers sleeping in Capitol Hill offices
Thirty members of the U.S. House are calling for an investigation into fellow lawmakers sleeping in their offices.
They say their colleagues are creating a "hostile work environment" for staffers.
One former representative estimated 100 members of the U.S. House convert their Capitol Hill offices each night into studio apartments.
“I want you to know I do shower on a daily basis. I do go down to the House gym. And we have a toilet and a sink in our offices,” Rep. Jason Chaffetz said.
But now some House members, in a letter to the ethics committee revealed by Politico.com, complain others are "subjected to seeing and at times interacting with members in their sleeping attire, underwear and even partially nude." They say it's "offensive...contributing to a hostile work environment...and disrespectful...to housekeeping and maintenance workers" who do their jobs at night.
While House Speaker Paul Ryan is the highest-ranking office sleeper, at least four Chicago Democrats have reportedly done it: Dan Lipinski, Bobby Rush, Luis Gutierrez and Mike Quigley.
Quigley told FOX 32 he originally needed to save money while paying college tuition for two daughters. asked about the letter to the ethics committee, he texted that Congress has "maybe more important issues."
Two Chicago Democrats put their names on the letter, Representatives Danny K. Davis and Robin Kelly. Her spokesman emailed, "she signed the letter (as) a request for clarification and not an accusation of an ethics violation."
As for rank-and-file workers on Capitol Hill, some who sleep in the office do try to respect boundaries.
"So, we have a seven to seven rule. Staff has to leave by 7 p.m. and can't come in before 7 a.m,” Chaffetz said.