Annie Kuster: “I thank the distinguished gentleman from Washington for yielding. I was pleased to offer an amendment to H.R. 2500 to…”

“I thank the distinguished gentleman from Washington for yielding. I was pleased to offer an amendment to H.R. 2500 to expand the liberal consideration standard given by discharge review boards and boards for the correction of military records to victims of military sexual trauma, to survivors of intimate partner violence and domestic abuse. Members of the Armed Forces who were victims of intimate partner violence have sometimes received less than honorable discharges because of behavior caused by their underlying trauma. This discharge status may exclude them from receiving veterans benefits, including services to help address their trauma. Less than honorable discharge statuses are associated with higher rates of homelessness and suicide. Simply put, these discharge statuses are retraumatizing, and survivors deserve better. My amendment would have ensured victims of intimate partner violence receive the same liberal consideration standard as other victims of sexual assault in the Armed Forces. All survivors should be believed and treated with compassion, regardless of the violence they experienced. I appreciate the willingness of the House Armed Services Committee staff to work with my team to try to get this provision included in the House NDAA. Unfortunately, due to budgetary rules, we were unable to find a path forward. A provision that mirrors my amendment was included in the Senate NDAA, thanks to the tremendous leadership of Senators Gillibrand and Ernst.…”