Political Quotes

“Madam President, in the past couple of weeks we have seen some major encouraging efforts in the Senate to rid our military of sexual assault, to punish it more aggressively and effectively, to deter it, and to aid victims who may suffer from sexual assault-- victims of both sexes who may be survivors of this spreading scourge. Last year alone, an estimated 26,000 cases of unwanted sexual contact; only about 3,300 of them reported. So the key to more effective prosecution and deterrence is more reporting as well as swifter, surer punishment and a better program within the military to deal with it. I will be proposing over the next few weeks additional measures. I have already cosponsored the Military Justice Improvement Act, a very important measure sponsored by our colleagues Senators Gillibrand and Collins that would transfer prosecuting and charging authority from military commanders to a separate, trained, experienced cadre of prosecutors in the military. I have also cosponsored the Combating Sexual Assault in the Military Act proposed by my colleagues Senator Murray and Senator Ayotte; again, very important legislation providing special victims counseling to survivors or victims of sexual assault, and the Ruth Moore Act sponsored by my colleague Senator Tester, that provides aid for disabled veterans who suffer from this problem.…”