South Bend Tribute - Walorski's Sexual Assault Bill Now Law

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By Amanda Gray,

A bill authored by U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski to provide protection for whistleblowers of military sexual assaults has been signed into law by President Barack Obama.

The National Defense Authorization Act also requires an inspector general investigation into allegations of any retaliatory personnel actions taken against victims who reported rape, sexual assault or other sexual misconduct, according to a news release from Walorski, R-Jimtown.

Walorski said she was "grateful" when she found that her first piece of legislation was signed into law Thursday night.

"We started working on this in February of last year," the 2nd District congresswoman said by phone Friday.

The Tribune reported in June that a recent Pentagon report estimated 26,000 sexual assaults involving service members were committed in 2012. Out of those, just 3,600 were reported. Out of those that were reported, 62 percent of victims said they experienced some form of retaliation after they reported the assault.

Walorski said it was testimony heard in a hearing of the House Armed Services Committee, as well as other testimony and meetings, that showed her what was needed in the bill -- a common sense, non-controversial plan for protection against sexual assault that everyone could get behind, she said.

"This law is providing a very safe reporting environment for people to report (sexual assault) without fear of retribution or retaliation from the military," she said.

She said she was happy to hear the president voice his support for the measure, as well as to direct Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel to implement all of the aspects of the law fully within 12 months.

Walorski, a freshman member of the House Armed Services Committee, co-authored the House bill with Rep. Loretta Sanchez, the Democratic representative from California's 46th district. This bill had major bipartisan support, Walorski said.

The bill was passed as a standalone bill in the House by a vote of 423-0. Companion legislation was introduced by Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Claire McCaskill and included in both the House and Senate versions of the NDAA.

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