[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 21, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H1438]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             HAZING HEARING

  (Ms. CHU asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Ms. CHU. A year ago, on April 3, on a Marine base in Afghanistan, 
Harry Lew was the victim of hazing. He was punched and kicked by his 
peers as they poured the contents of a sandbag over his face and mouth. 
This physical torture and hazing lasted a full 3 hours and 20 minutes. 
Twenty-two minutes after his abusers stopped, Harry killed himself. He 
was my nephew.
  The perpetrators were let off with virtually no punishment. That is 
why, for months after his death, I have been calling for congressional 
hearings to look into the prevalence of hazing in the military. The 
military must implement a zero tolerance policy and must change the 
culture of hazing that is not only accepted but encouraged.
  Tomorrow, almost on the anniversary of his needless and avoidable 
death, Congress will act. I urge all of you to watch online the Armed 
Services Committee hearing on hazing in the military.
  We can and we must hold the military accountable so no one will ever 
again have to go through what Harry endured.

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