[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H2668-H2669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    MILITARY JUSTICE IMPROVEMENT ACT

  (Ms. GABBARD asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)

[[Page H2669]]

  Ms. GABBARD. Mr. Speaker, we have a growing epidemic in our military 
that requires our immediate action.
  I rise today to highlight a bipartisan, bicameral piece of 
legislation that will stem the growing cancer of sexual assault on men 
and women in the military.
  This is absolutely unacceptable. In every branch of the military, 
from day one our servicemembers are instilled with the values of honor, 
respect, and integrity. It's what makes us proud to wear the uniform, 
and it's what makes our military strong. However, this epidemic 
completely undermines what these values and our servicemembers 
represent.
  This morning I joined a strong, committed group of legislators to 
introduce the Military Justice Improvement Act, which provides a 
uniform and fair process, ensuring that sexual predators are exposed 
and punished accordingly.
  We in Congress and leaders of the Department of Defense must keep the 
pressure on. Together, we must foster a respectful, productive 
environment for our military men and women. The success of our Armed 
Forces--and the security they provide our Nation--depends on it.

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