We’re told that the bill will be
considered by the Armed Services Committee as part of the NDAA.
That’s not a good reason to deny
consideration as a stand-alone bill on the floor.
The Armed Services Committee unfortunately
has a track record of gutting provisions that they don’t like, even after the
provision receives the votes to be included.
I recall when there was bipartisan support
in the House and Senate to prevent cuts to the Air National Guard.
The provision was included in the House
and Senate NDAA, but was quietly struck from the conference report.
This legislation is needed now.
Far too many women and men in the armed
forces are sexually assaulted, and most never see justice.
Rates of retaliation are too high, and
prosecutions are too low.
This approach is supported by President
Biden, an independent commission at the Pentagon and Secretary Austin.
It also has the votes to pass as a
standalone bill in the Senate.
It’s time for the legislation to finally
move forward, and I urge my colleagues to allow it to proceed.
