Political Quotes

“I thank the chairman for leading and for all of his hard work on this very important bill that we have on the floor today. Mr. Chairman, the number is staggering: 26,000. That's how many military members were sexually assaulted last year alone; and thousands more were unwilling to come forward. Since 2010, there has been a 35 percent increase in military sexual assault. {time} 1830 This is a disturbing trend that needs to be stopped, and I would like to thank the chairman for working with me and for many other members on the committee to do just exactly that. There's no doubt that our military is the strongest and most capable force in the world. The men and women who voluntarily step up to serve and to defend this country know full well that they will be called, potentially, to serve in times of danger. But they should never, under any circumstances, feel threatened in one another's presence. For many, the military is an extension of family, and nothing hurts more than being hurt or let down by one of your own. Last week, the House Armed Services Committee passed the 2014 National Defense Authorization Act by an overwhelming vote of 59-2. I was proud to support the bill in committee. It takes important steps to address the rise of sexual assault in our military, including several provisions that I authored. These provisions will improve military sexual assault investigations.…”