House Approves Velazquez Legislation on Military Hazing

Washington, DC – Today, the House of Representatives approved legislation authored by Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) aimed at assisting members of the military who have suffered from hazing incidents. The amendment is part of Velazquez’s “Service Member Anti-Hazing Act,” H.R. 5638. Velázquez introduced that bill in response to the case of Danny Chen, an Army private who passed away last year after being hazed by fellow soldiers in Afghanistan.

“It is incumbent on all of us to ensure the young men and women who volunteer to serve our nation are treated with respect and honor,” Velázquez noted. “This amendment will help protect our troops from mistreatment.”

The amendment authored by Velázquez would require each branch of the military to institute an expedited system allowing service members to be transferred when there are suspicions of hazing. Velázquez noted that victims of this abuse are often trapped in a dangerous situation, especially when their supervisors partake in the hazing or turn a blind eye to these problems.

“It is disturbing that, even when instances of hazing are reported, there is such a lengthy process for an abused soldier to apply for a transfer, escape their tormentors and complete their service in another unit,” Velázquez noted. “While many steps should have been taken to save Danny Chen, it is highly likely that if Private Chen had swiftly transferred out of his unit after the hazing started, he would be with us today.”

Earlier this year, Velázquez wrote the Inspector General of the Department of Defense calling for a swift and thorough investigation into the events surrounding Private Chen’s death. She was also invited to participate in an Armed Services Committee hearing regarding hazing issues where she pressed Pentagon officials on what the military is doing to curb hazing in its ranks.

“I’ve followed Private Chen’s case closely, as well as the military’s response,” Velázquez noted. “Based on what we learned, I drafted this legislation and the amendment that passed the House, today.”

The amendment passed as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, broader legislation to update all of the military’s programs. That bill now heads to the Senate where it must be voted on before being signed into law by the President. Velázquez pledged today to continue working for enactment of other provisions in the “Service Member Anti-Hazing Act.”

“What happened to Danny Chen was a profound loss, not only for his family, but also for the entire Chinatown community and all of New York,” Velázquez said. “With this legislation, we can prevent future tragedies and help keep our troops safe.”