[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 70 (Friday, May 14, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E961-E962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            SUPPORT THE VETERANS SEXUAL TRAUMA TREATMENT ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 1999

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
make permanent the sexual trauma counseling and treatment services 
offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Sexual 
Trauma Treatment Act, which I also introduced during the 105th 
Congress, will enable more former military personnel who were subjected 
to sexual harassment or abuse during their military service to receive 
proper medical and psychological care.
  A high incidence of sexual harassment and assault cases in the 
military have been reported in the past several years. While some of 
these cases have gained national attention,

[[Page E962]]

many more have gone unreported. What is often not discussed is the 
issue of treatment and counseling for the victims of these offenses. 
The current law does not provide medical and counseling services for 
victims of these abuses. The Veterans Sexual Trauma Treatment Act would 
permanently authorize sexual trauma and treatment for active military 
personnel, reservists and national guard personnel. My bill would also 
require the VA to report to Congress regarding the use of sexual trauma 
programs and their collaborative efforts with the Department of Defense 
to educate and inform our armed forces personnel about sexual trauma 
programs at VA facilities.
  Mr. Speaker, a greater number of women are entering the military each 
year. These services are needed. I am hopeful that my colleagues will 
join me by supporting this bill. I look forward to working with them to 
provide all veterans with the health care they have earned and deserve.

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