(CNN) The House Intelligence Committee is investigating the CIA’s handling of sexual assault and harassment cases, CNN has confirmed.
The bipartisan investigation comes as since earlier this year several female CIA employees have contacted the committee and told lawmakers that the agency bars women from filing sexual misconduct complaints, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Politico was the first to report on 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 contacted the director [William] Burns, and he is fully committed to working with us on this issue,” Republican Panel Chairman Rep. Mike Turner and Democrat Chairman Jim Himes said in a joint statement.
Turner and Himes sent a letter to Burns last week asking for the CIA’s help in investigating the issue, the source said.
In a statement, the CIA said: “There must be zero tolerance for sexual assault or harassment at the CIA. The director and senior CIA leaders have met with officials in person to understand their concerns and take swift action. We have established an office to work closely with sexual assault survivors and we are committed to treating any concerns raised by employees with the utmost seriousness.”
“Our senior leadership team, including the Director, remains fully committed to and closely monitoring this issue. We are committed to assisting the House Intelligence Committee’s investigations and will keep the committee informed of our progress,” the agency added.