Unanimous Consent Request--S. 1520

Floor Speech

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Mr. REED. Madam President, reserving my right to object, the legislation that the Senator from New York proposes, particularly with respect to the issue of crimes involving sexual misconduct, is something that I support. But without a thorough, careful review in the Armed Services Committee, which is the traditional means of making these decisions, particularly when they affect the entire Uniform Code of Military Justice, is something that is necessary, in my view, and will be done--and I hope promptly-- so that we can move forward with this legislation, not only to ensure that it passes but that it works for the benefit of the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen in our Armed Forces.

Passing something that sounds good but has not been thoroughly reviewed and thoroughly vetted and will not be implemented effectively for the benefit of soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen is something I don't think we should do.

I think, rather, we should wait for the committee hearings. I am confident that this legislation, with respect to crimes involving sexual misconduct, will emerge from the committee. There are other issues that we will consider.

With that, I would reaffirm my objection.

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