[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[House]
[Page 8733]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT ADDS PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF 
                             SEXUAL ASSAULT

  (Mr. BARBER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BARBER. Madam Speaker, this week, we will vote on the National 
Defense Authorization Act. As we debate this important legislation, we 
must keep in mind the deeply troubling problem of sexual assault within 
our military.
  The vast majority of men and women who are in our armed services 
serve us with honor and distinction, but their dedication is undermined 
by those who commit sexual assaults. Last year, nearly one out of every 
16 Active Duty women reported having been the victim of an unwarranted 
sexual contact. This is a deplorable situation.
  Last week, in a truly bipartisan manner, the Armed Services Committee 
produced a bill that we will debate today. It prohibits the dismissal 
or reduction of guilty verdicts in sexual assault convictions. It makes 
sure that those who are found guilty of these heinous crimes will be 
discharged from the military, and adds other important protections for 
victims of sexual assault.
  As leaders, we have a duty to protect those who protect us.

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