[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9766]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            SUPPORT THE VETERANS SEXUAL TRAUMA TREATMENT ACT

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                         HON. LUIS V. GUTIERREZ

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 13, 1999

  Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation to 
make permanent the sexual trauma counseling and treatment services 
offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Veterans Sexual 
Trauma Treatment Act, which I also introduced during the 105th 
Congress, will enable more former military personnel who were subjected 
to sexual harassment or abuse during their military service to receive 
proper medical and psychological care.
  A high incidence of sexual harassment and assault cases in the 
military have been reported in the past several years. While some of 
these cases have gained national attention, many more have gone 
unreported. What is often not discussed is the issue of treatment and 
counseling for the victims of these offenses. The current law does not 
provide medical and counseling services for victims of these abuses. 
The Veterans Sexual Trauma Treatment Act would permanently authorize 
sexual trauma and treatment for active military personnel, reservists 
and national guard personnel. My bill would also require the VA to 
report to Congress regarding the use of sexual trauma programs and 
their collaborative efforts with the Department of Defense to educate 
and inform our armed forces personnel about sexual trauma programs at 
VA facilities.
  Mr. Speaker, a greater number of women are entering the military each 
year. These services are needed. I am hopeful that my colleagues will 
join me by supporting this bill. I look forward to working with them to 
provide all veterans with the health care they have earned and deserve.

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