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Velazquez on Defense Authorization Act

June 12, 2013

Velázquez on Defense Authorization Act

Washington, DC – Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) delivered the following statement on the House floor regarding sexual assault in the military and the National Defense Authorization Act:

"Our Armed Forces face an epidemic that is tearing away at this institution's moral credibility. Millions of patriotic young women -- and men -- who consider donning our nation's uniform, must contend with the fact that our military has become a safe haven for sexual assault and rape. According to DoD's own estimates, on average 70 service members are sexually assaulted every day, with 26,000 of these incidents occurring last year alone. That represents a 30 percent increase from just two years before.

"Keep in mind – this is Department of Defense data. It is likely this problem is even more widespread than these numbers suggest.

"Equally troubling, only a sliver -- about 3% -- of these cases were prosecuted. The horrifying fact is that tolerance of sexual assault has become part of the Armed Forces' culture. In too many cases, victims are further harmed by a system that protects offenders in the name of the "chain of command." This is unacceptable. It must change, now.

"The men and women who serve our nation sacrifice enough. They should not have to worry about sexual assault at the hands of superiors and colleagues. It is time for real steps that end this permissive culture, hold sexual offenders accountable and restore trust in our Armed Forces. I yield back."