Velazquez to Participate in Hearing on Military Hazing
Velázquez to Participate in Hearing on Military Hazing
Washington, DC – On Thursday, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) will participate in a Congressional hearing on hazing in the U.S. military. Previously, the Congresswoman has been active in demanding that the Army investigate the death of Private Danny Chen, a New York native who died after being hazed by members of his unit. The Chen case resulted in charges being brought against eight soldiers in his unit.
“Not only do we need to get to the bottom of what happened to Danny, but it is important that we have a full understanding of how widespread hazing is in the Armed Forces and what is being done to address it,” Velázquez noted. “Only when we have a grasp on the full scope of the problem can we prevent future hazing incidents.”
Thursday’s hearing is being conducted by the House Armed Service Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Members of Congress are expected to ask questions of high ranking military officials regarding what practices are in place to prevent hazing incidents. While not an official member of that panel, Velázquez requested that she participate in the hearing because of her connection to the Chen case.
“This is an opportunity to hear directly from representatives in all branches of our armed services,” Velázquez said. “In the Chinatown community, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating consequences of hazing. I want to know exactly what the Pentagon is doing to tackle hazing and what culturally sensitive steps they are taking to address this problem.”
Velázquez had previously written the Department of Defense Inspector General, requesting a comprehensive investigation into events surrounding the death of Danny Chen. She has also pressed the Army to release autopsy results to Chen’s family. The Armed Services Committee hearing is scheduled for tomorrow, March 22nd, at 1 p.m. It is being held in room 2212 of the Rayburn House Office Building.