Lois Capps: “I thank my colleague from Massachusetts for yielding. I rise in support of the progress this underlying bill makes in…”

“I thank my colleague from Massachusetts for yielding. I rise in support of the progress this underlying bill makes in combating military sexual assault. Sexual assault in the military continues to be a serious problem. In 2012, an average of 70 servicemen and -women were sexually assaulted each and every day. This is unacceptable. Moreover, only a fraction of these are reported. Fewer yet are prosecuted. More needs to be done at every level to establish comprehensive uniform solutions. I am pleased to see that this bill offers a renewed determination to stop these unacceptable crimes that undermine the strength and honor of our military. The included provisions make progress to increase transparency with new victim protections and services, and improved processes to hold offenders accountable. But we must do more. We must work diligently to put an end to this problem so we can again--with full confidence--encourage our daughters and sons to serve this great country.”