Political Quotes

On the recordFebruary 15, 2012
Madam Speaker, I rise again today to highlight the epidemic of rape and sexual assault in the military. This issue was recently brought up on Fox News by a commentator who ignorantly declared that women who join the military should expect to be raped. Yes, believe it or not, this was what the commentator said. I don't think our women choose to enlist in the military with the expectation that they might get raped. This morning I'm going to tell you the story of U.S. marine Stephanie Schroeder, who was raped in a public restroom by a fellow marine. He shoved her down, beat her, and forced her on her back. He ripped down her pants and raped her. Then he ejaculated on her inner thigh and spit on her. Private Schroeder reported the rape to command. Her commander laughed at her and said don't come ``blankin'' to me because you had sex and changed your mind. {time} 1100 Don't come ``blankin'' to me? That's the response that was given to Private Schroeder. That was her leader. That was her commander saying that to her. Instead of helping her, her commander called her a liar and restricted her from seeking medical help or any type of counseling. And what's worse is that her commander did nothing illegal. The military judicial system allows commanders complete discretion for handling cases of rape and sexual assault. To the current standard of justice, the commander did absolutely nothing wrong. This story is one of thousands that happens in the military every year.…
Said by
Jackie Speier
Democratic · California

Share & report

More from Jackie Speier

Sep 20, 2022

No one should get a general discharge by being the person that's committed the crime of revenge porn.

congress.gov
Sep 20, 2022

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her outstanding comments and for her great leadership that she has already demonstrated. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moulton), a great American leader who has…

Congressional Record · 2022-09-20
Sep 20, 2022

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for really powerful remarks. This issue doesn't have to be that hard, but because of legislation that has been passed previously, it has made it incredibly difficult. I am going to share with you now…

Congressional Record · 2022-09-20
Sep 20, 2022

And we can say pretty clearly that the Wagner Group is proxy for the Russian Government. And we need to call them out.

congress.gov

Other voices in this conversation