Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I object to the Senator's request for the reasons that I have previously stated. As the Senator from New York acknowledged, on July 2, President Biden announced that he ``strongly supports'' the recommendations put forth by Secretary Austin based on the work of the Independent Review Commission that would reform how the military prosecutes sexual assault-related crimes. Subsequent to the President's statement, the administration forwarded to the committee their legislative proposals to implement this reform. I support and commend the President, the Secretary, and the IRC leadership and staff for their work, and I look forward to working with them and the administration and my colleagues, particularly my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee, to enact this historic and momentous change to the Department of Defense. Sexual assault is an unconscionable crime and a pervasive problem in the military and in American society. While the military has taken steps to try to stop sexual assault in the ranks, it simply hasn't been enough. I strongly agree with the President's statement that ``sexual assault in the military is doubly damaging because it also shreds the unity and cohesion that is essential for the functioning of the U.S. military and to our national defense.'' While this change will be important, enhancing prevention, education, and command climate and culture will also be vital.…”