Political Quotes

“I am an original cosponsor of H.R. 642, a bill that would help the men and women in our armed services who are victims of sexual assault get access to the care that they need. Sexual assault is not acceptable anywhere in our society. It is not something many people like to talk about, but it is a very real problem. According to the Department of Defense, 20,000 servicemembers said they had experienced at least one incident of unwanted sexual contact in 2014. In my time as an emergency medicine physician, I have seen the deep, longstanding, and brutal psychological trauma that results from sexual assault, and I know how critical it is that victims receive the treatment they need and perpetrators are brought to justice. Mr. Speaker, this bill takes much-needed steps to ensure that treatment options are more accessible for our veterans who were victims of sexual assault by helping to pay for travel expenses for those who need to seek care outside of the VA system. Mr. Speaker, this is a medical need and a moral imperative. I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 642 and ensure servicemembers who are victims of sexual trauma receive the care they need. ____________________”