A Nebraska lawmaker is calling for accountability after a colleague invoked her name in a graphic reading on the legislative floor, which some say constitutes sexual harassment. The decision on whether Republican state Sen. Steve Halloran will face a censure vote now rests with a group of mostly male colleagues in the Legislature’s Executive Board. Democratic state Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh urged the board to take action, stating that not doing so would condone this type of speech and has traumatized her family and the public. The Executive Board is composed of eight men and one woman, with most members being Republican in the unofficially nonpartisan Nebraska Legislature.
The incident in question occurred when Halloran, while reading from a best-selling memoir during a debate on a bill, repeatedly called out the name “Sen. Cavanaugh” along with a graphic account of rape, making it appear as if Cavanaugh was the subject of the assault. Despite Halloran’s subsequent claim that he was actually addressing Cavanaugh’s brother, another Democratic Nebraska lawmaker, many in the chamber, including Cavanaugh, understood the comments to be directed at her. Cavanaugh was visibly shaken after the remarks, leading to calls for accountability for what was deemed an act of sexual harassment. The debate was related to a bill that would hold school librarians and teachers accountable for providing what is considered obscene material to students in grades K-12.
Machaela Cavanaugh passionately urged the Executive Board to make a decision about whether Halloran will face censure without delay, emphasizing that it constitutes sexual harassment regardless of whether a woman or a man is targeted. The board’s vote will determine whether Cavanaugh’s censure resolution will advance to the full Legislature for a vote. Censuring Halloran would serve as a formal rebuke of his comments, with no impact on his ability to legislate, speak during debates, or serve on committees. Cavanaugh also cast doubt on Halloran’s explanation that he was seeking her brother’s attention, highlighting a private encounter where he recited the scene about sexual violence to her before making the public remarks. Recently, Halloran faced additional accusations of making inappropriate jokes about Cavanaugh’s preferences for pornography during private conversations with other lawmakers.
Despite only Cavanaugh testifying at the hearing, her brother, and another Democratic lawmaker whom Halloran addressed, were invited to speak. Halloran chose not to appear but submitted written testimony criticizing the hearing as a violation of legislative rules. He argued against publicizing the hearing, stating that the complaints against him should be handled as an internal legislative matter. Republican Sen. Julie Slama, the only woman on the Executive Board, expressed support for the Cavanaugh siblings and shared her own experience of facing inappropriate remarks from a colleague in the past. She acknowledged not taking action at the time and commended Cavanaugh for her bravery in holding Halloran accountable.
Slama referenced a past incident involving Democrat Sen. Ernie Chambers, who implied that she was appointed to her seat in exchange for sexual favors. She emphasized the importance of speaking out against such behavior and expressed regret for not doing more to confront Chambers in the past. Cavanaugh also apologized to Slama for not providing support during that time, praising her courage for speaking out now. The board chair, Republican Sen. Ray Aguilar, commended Cavanaugh’s testimony but announced that a decision on whether to move forward with censure proceedings would be delayed until after the Easter holiday weekend. The outcome of this case will have implications for addressing and preventing sexual harassment in the Legislature.
