[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 24 (Monday, March 1, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1928-S1929]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMBATING SEXUAL ASSAULT OF U.S. SERVICEWOMEN IS CRITICAL

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, last week members of the Senate Armed 
Services Committee heard deeply disturbing testimony about unspeakable 
acts of violence committed against at least 112 of our military 
personnel deployed in Afghanistan and the Iraq theater. Unfortunately, 
the acts of violence discussed in the committee were not committed by 
the Taliban or terrorists, but by fellow American troops who have 
sexually assaulted their female counterparts. This egregious situation 
is unacceptable.
  Back home in South Dakota, I have met so many female soldiers who 
have proudly volunteered to serve this Nation. Like their male 
colleagues, they demonstrate tremendous patriotism and love for 
America. They also share the strong sense of duty and pride in being a 
member of our great military. They deserve the country's and their 
fellow soldiers' wholehearted respect.
  Sadly, the Armed Services Committee testimony suggests that too many 
of our women soldiers must be concerned not just about combating

[[Page S1929]]

enemy soldiers, but also about a soldier who is fighting beside her.
  Over 30,000 brave women answered our Nation's call to duty to support 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Fourteen of them have given their lives to 
ensure that democracy flourishes in a country that has only recently 
been liberated from brutality and repression.
  These soldiers are performing their duties with courage and honor. At 
a time when the insurgency and unrest continue in Iraq, these women 
continue to defend Iraqi citizens from senseless violence. They should 
not have to be concerned about having to defend themselves against the 
most senseless violence of all--sexual assault perpetrated by their 
fellow soldiers.
  Women make invaluable contributions to our armed forces. In fact, it 
is safe to say that our military could not perform all that we 
currently require of it without the service and sacrifices of female 
soldiers. When we brutalize the very people who are willing to 
sacrifice their life for the defense of liberty and freedom, we harm 
the institution that protects us all and undermine the principles upon 
which this great Nation was founded.
  What makes last week's reports on sexual assault more distressing is 
that this is not the first time female service members have come 
forward with allegations that they were raped and assaulted by their 
male compatriots. We have heard these accusations before the Navy's 
Annual Tailhook Symposium, the Army's Aberdeen Proving Grounds, and the 
Air Force Academy in Colorado.
  I commend the women who have come forward to report these 
reprehensible acts. Far too often women suffer in silence, too afraid 
of possible reprisals that may come from reporting a sexual assault. 
This is true in civilian life and must be doubly so in military life. 
To help these victims, the military must take immediate and concrete 
steps to address their needs. We must ensure that victims have access 
to medical care and confidential counseling. If we fail to create an 
environment where women feel safe to report their assaults, we risk 
teaching them that, in order to advance their military careers, they 
must remain silent.
  I am pleased that the Department of Defense has launched an 
investigation into these allegations, and that my colleagues on the 
Senate Armed Services Committee recently heard testimony addressing 
this issue. Still we must do more. It is imperative that we all 
continue to work together to send to send a clear signal to the entire 
military that any sexual misconduct will not be tolerated, and 
offenders will be vigorously prosecuted and punished. It is time to 
ensure this issue is given the urgency and attention it deserves.

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