[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 83 (Wednesday, June 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMBATING SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE MILITARY

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                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 12, 2013

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, our nation's armed forces are the best in the 
world, but I rise today to speak against a form of cancer spreading 
within the ranks that is compromising the integrity of our armed 
forces.
   For 25 years, Congress has pressured the Department of Defense to 
take bold action against sexual assault among our service men and 
women, and for 25 years, we've heard the same promises. In hearing 
after hearing, they've offered the results of study after study; told 
us about their zero tolerance policy; created task forces; and promised 
to prioritize this issue within the chain of command.
   Despite these promises, sexual assault in the military is at an all-
time high and rising. According to the Defense Department, there were 
more than 70 assaults per day in 2012, an estimated 26,000 total and a 
30 percent increase over two years. Worse, only three percent of 
estimated sexual assaults in the military in 2012 were prosecuted. 
Countless service members continue to have little faith in the military 
justice system, and countless more suffer in silence for fear of 
retaliation.
   The existing military justice system has clearly demonstrated its 
inability to solve this problem. As the civilian institution tasked 
with military oversight, it is incumbent upon Congress to act.
   The amendment offered by my colleague, Representative Speier, is an 
effective and meaningful solution. This amendment is modeled on 
legislation, the Sexual Assault Training Oversight and Prevention Act 
(STOP Act), which I'm proud to cosponsor.
   The STOP Act rightfully removes the sexual assault response process 
from the military chain of command and replaces it with an accountable, 
civilian-controlled oversight office. It ensures that trained, 
impartial prosecutors respond to allegations of sexual assault, not 
higher ranking commanders with a potential bone to pick.
   It provides victims with real access to justice, via an objective 
response system. And it means no more fear of retaliation, lost 
promotion, re-victimization, and pushback. Sexual assault is a scourge 
that weakens our military and our nation and has absolutely no place in 
society. I encourage my colleagues in the strongest possible terms to 
support this sensible amendment.

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