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Foxx Cosponsored Legislation to Prevent Military Sexual Assault Passes House of Representatives
Washington,
June 27, 2013
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Ericka Perryman
(202-225-2071)
“Fear or professional intimidation should never come between a victim and the justice they deserve,” Congresswoman Foxx stated. “Increases in sexual assault within our military cannot be tolerated. Some of the finest men and women I know have served in our armed forces, and their good work must not be tarnished by the recent rise of sexual assault. The problem must be dealt with now. I praise Representative Jackie Walorski for introducing this legislation. Ensuring all military personnel are able to report crimes without fear of reprisal is critical to stopping future assaults.”
Washington, D.C. – The House of Representatives today passed legislation cosponsored by Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) designed to prevent any retaliation against military personnel who report rape or sexual assault within their ranks. Foxx issued the following statement on H.R. 1864:
“Fear or professional intimidation should never come between a victim and the justice they deserve,” Congresswoman Foxx stated. “Increases in sexual assault within our military cannot be tolerated. Some of the finest men and women I know have served in our armed forces, and their good work must not be tarnished by the recent rise of sexual assault. The problem must be dealt with now. I praise Representative Jackie Walorski for introducing this legislation. Ensuring all military personnel are able to report crimes without fear of reprisal is critical to stopping future assaults.” The legislation Foxx cosponsored expands the duties of Defense Department inspector general to include examining whether reports of sexual assault, misconduct or rape within the military have led to retaliation against reporters or alleged victims. Currently, the inspector general is only responsible for investigating whether sexual harassment allegations have led to retaliation.
In addition to the legislation passed today, the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act Foxx voted for earlier this month included many provisions designed to more effectively combat instances of sexual assault within the military.
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