I’m here to join Senator Gillibrand in
asking for a vote on this crucial legislation. The Military Justice Improvement and Increasing
Prevention Act has more than 60 bipartisan cosponsors, and it’s past time
for this bill to become law.
This legislation was first introduced by
Senator Gillibrand and myself eight years ago, and has gained more and more
support each year.
Senators who previously were skeptical
have come around and realized that the DOD can’t handle the pervasive problem
of sexual assault on their own.
The Armed Services Committee and the
Department of Defense have had more than enough time to consider this idea.
They’ve told us they have it under control
and tried other approaches.
Those approaches have not worked. Women,
and men, in the military continue to face high rates of sexual assault and
retaliation.
It’s clear this bill is needed.
By moving the decision to prosecute out of
the chain of command, perpetrators of sexual assault and other serious crimes
will be held accountable.
Survivors will have more confidence in the
process. Retaliation will be less likely.
We’ve been waiting almost a decade,
there’s no need to wait any longer. I urge my colleagues to allow this bill to
move forward today.
