Roland Gutierrez: “I am very gratified that this legislation is being offered today. The bill is nearly identical to legislation that I…”

“I am very gratified that this legislation is being offered today. The bill is nearly identical to legislation that I sponsored during my first term in Congress in 1993, along with the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Evans], the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Kennedy], and others. The problem of employment discrimination within the VA, particularly of sexual harassment within the department, is a problem that cannot be tolerated. The changes called for by this bill should make a major difference in ensuring that cases of discrimination or other improper behavior are handled in a proper manner. Rather than having local VA officials police their own, a situation which invites personal relationships to interfere in an investigation, this bill offers us a better solution. Setting up an office of employment discrimination within the VA central office will enable a fair and more accurate system for dealing with complaints of harassment and discrimination. In addition, I am hopeful that this bill will prove to be a step in the right direction, and encourage us to take action to develop proper care and treatment within the VA for Armed Forces personnel who have been sexually abused or harassed during their service in our military. This body's interest in addressing the problem of sexual harassment should not end today.”