II 112th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 2137 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES February 28, 2012 Mrs. Boxer introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services A BILL To prohibit the issuance of a waiver for commissioning or enlistment in the Armed Forces for any individual convicted of a felony sexual offense.

1.

Prohibition on waiver for commissioning or enlistment in the Armed Forces for any individual convicted of a felony sexual offense

(a)

Findings

Congress makes the following findings: (1)In fiscal year 2011 alone, 3,191 incidents of sexual assault—including rape—were reported in the military. (2)In fiscal year 2010, an additional 3,158 such incidents were reported. (3)According to Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, these figures may significantly underestimate the actual number of sexual assaults. (4)According to Secretary Panetta, the actual number of sexual assaults may be closer to 19,000 annually. (5)According to the Army, the number of violent sexual assaults committed by members of the Army rose by 90 percent between 2006 and 2011. (6)According to Secretary Panetta, the men and women of the Armed Forces are willing to fight and die to protect and serve our country—they deserve better protection. Their families and dependents also sacrifice and serve. And so for this reason, we must spare no effort to protect them against this heinous crime. … One sexual assault is one too many.. (7)Every effort must be made to bring the epidemic of sexual assaults within the Armed Forces to an end. (b)

Prohibition

An individual may not be provided a waiver for commissioning or enlistment in the Armed Forces if the individual has been convicted under Federal or State law of a felony offense of any of the following: (1)Rape. (2)Sexual abuse. (3)Sexual assault. (4)Incest. (5)Any other sexual offense.