[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E951]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2004

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise in full support of the 
Amendment being offered by the leadership of the distinguished 
Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues. I find no reason why this 
bipartisan Amendment should not be wholeheartedly supported by this 
entire body and adopted as a part of this Defense Authorization. A 
similar version of this amendment has already been included in the 
Senate version of the Defense Authorization Bill after being developed 
in consultation with the Pentagon, and has bipartisan support in the 
Senate. This Amendment would require the Secretary of Defense to 
develop a comprehensive policy for the Department of Defense on the 
prevention of and response to sexual assaults involving members of the 
Armed Forces. This policy would be based on the recommendations of the 
Department's own Task Force on Care for Victims of Sexual Assault, 
which released its report and recommendations last week concerning 
sexual assault in the military based on its 90-day study.
  Ever since the unfortunate Tailhook scandal and the ensuing weak 
investigation that took place in 1991, the American public has realized 
that sexual assault in the Armed Forces is a major problem that 
unfortunately has yet to be properly addressed. The sexual assault of 
women in the Armed Forces is not only illegal, but it is clearly bad 
for morale. These men and women serve in the same units, often in 
extremely dangerous situations, there must be trust amongst all parties 
that their rights will be respected and protected by the Armed Forces 
that they so diligently serve.
  It is unfortunate that my own Amendment to help address this problem 
in the Armed Forces was not ruled in order by the Rules Committee. My 
amendment would have directed the Department of Defense to award a 
contract to an independent phone bank for tending to rape and sexual 
assault victims in a confidential manner within three months of its 
enactment. That phone bank would be required to have the expertise and 
training programs in place to allow operators to cope with unique 
situations arising from sexual abuse in the military context. This 
phone bank would be open to members of the Armed Forces and their 
families. I hope we all understand the devastation caused by rape and 
sexual assault. However, what we often fail to recognize is the fact 
that members of the Armed Forces and their families are in a unique 
situation that is not faced by other Americans. Because of this fact it 
is imperative members of the Armed Forces and their families have an 
outlet to receive counseling and advice for issues related to rape and 
sexual assault without the fear that their report might be sent to 
their superiors in the Armed Forces without their consent.
  While I am dismayed that my pertinent Amendment was not ruled in 
order, I still feel strongly that the Amendment being brought forth by 
the leadership of the Congressional Caucus on Women's Issues must be 
agreed to by this body. A comprehensive plan to deal with sexual 
assault in the Armed Forces is necessary if we ever hope to achieve 
equal protection for all our brave fighting men and women.

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