Why it's so hard to take down abusers in Washington

Politics is only part of the story. No Images? Click here         Why It’s Harder To Take Down Sex Abusers In Washington Than In Hollywood Over the last month, Harvey Weinstein, Louis C.K., Kevin Spacey and other influential men in the entertainment industry have seen their careers all but destroyed because of reports detailing serial sexual predation. While it took years to corroborate what had been open secrets, once the stories of those men went public, the consequences were swift: movies and television shows canceled, awards and honors rescinded. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the voting body for the Oscars, held an emergency meeting to expel Weinstein — striking action from an institution that usually moves at a glacial pace. Yet as politicians (of both political parties) face accusations of sexual misconduct, it has been much rarer for them to face such dramatic consequences, if any at all. Perhaps the starkest example of this discrepancy came after the release of the infamous “Access Hollywood” tape last October: Host Billy Bush was fired from his job at NBC’s “Today” show, while reality TV star-turned-GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump — who boasted on the tape that “when you are a star, they let you do it. You can do anything” — was elected president of the United States. READ MORE     WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING? Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai announced plans Tuesday to scrap net neutrality regulations that require internet providers to treat all content equally. It's a major win for the telecom industry.  READ MORE CBS and PBS have cut ties with longtime TV host Charlie Rose following allegations of sexual misconduct. Eight women have accused Rose of unwanted sexual advances. READ MORE Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) reportedly settled a complaint involving unwanted sexual advances. Conyers has served in Congress since 1965 and is the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.  READ MORE    .     ICYMI A judge permanently blocked Donald Trump's executive order on sanctuary cities. “The counties have demonstrated that the executive order has caused and will cause them constitutional injuries.”   Lawmakers accused of sexual misconduct rarely used to resign. Here's why that changed. Congress is currently grappling with how to respond to a new wave of sexual misconduct allegations.   The U.S. government plans to seek felony convictions for nearly 200 inauguration protesters. The first trial is now underway.    . Want more?  Congresswoman Says Former Congressman Tried To Force Himself On Her In Elevator   Donald Trump Is Shutting Down His Charitable Foundation   Obama Wishes Joe Biden A Happy Birthday With An Adorable Meme   How will Trump’s administration impact you? Sign up for our email and find out. Did a friend send you this? Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Want more? Here are two other newsletters you'll love: The Morning Email and Must Reads. ©2017 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe    . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe