Deb Fischer: “I rise to speak in full support of the McCaskill-Ayotte-Fischer proposal that is before us today. It will only…”

“I rise to speak in full support of the McCaskill-Ayotte-Fischer proposal that is before us today. It will only strengthen the historic reforms that have already been passed by this body to combat sexual assault in the military. I also rise to express concerns with the Gillibrand proposal to remove commanders from this process because I believe that is going to undermine credibility and accountability. I am glad we are having this debate on the floor because every Member of this Senate agrees that this is a problem that needs to be addressed. Over the past year the members of the Armed Services Committee have focused on this issue. It cuts across ideology, across gender, and across regions. It also cuts across party lines. I was happy to work across the aisle with Senator Shaheen on improving the standards for personnel responsible for sexual assault prevention. I was pleased to join with Senator Blumenthal to ensure that victims' rights are protected under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. I would argue that our efforts to fight sexual assault show Congress at its best. It is how we are supposed to work. So although we may disagree, we do share the same goals. Senator McCaskill and Senator Gillibrand have both been real leaders in the Senate Armed Services Committee, which held that landmark hearing with our top commanders to explore the problem of sexual violence in the ranks last June.…”