Bonnie Watson Coleman: “I thank Mr. Smith for including my amendment en bloc and for allowing me to speak on it today. Mr. Chairman, among the…”

“I thank Mr. Smith for including my amendment en bloc and for allowing me to speak on it today. Mr. Chairman, among the amendments under consideration in this en bloc measure is one that I have authored to address various challenges to the Army, National Guard, and Army Reserve sexual assault prevention and response programs. While sexual assault among our Active Duty forces has been a frequent topic of discussion, I rise today to draw attention to the same issue that remains just as prevalent within our Reserve component forces. More than half a million members currently serve in the Army Guard and Reserve. Hundreds of incidents of sexual assault are reported each year, and it is estimated that several hundred more go unreported. The Reserve components of the Army continue to suffer from staffing imbalances, poor budget management, and slow investigations that delay access to care for hundreds of sexual assault victims. My amendment directs the Department of Defense to take steps to address these issues. Sexual violence is a criminal behavior, and it has no place in our military. We must regain the trust of the servicemembers, who have been brave enough to come forward to report those crimes, by bettering our military justice system. Congress has a responsibility to protect the servicemembers who make immeasurable sacrifices to serve and protect our country.…”