Congressman Steven Horsford Raises Concerns About Sexual Assault and Missing Weapons in House Armed Services Hearing

Press Release

Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV-04) joined his colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) to host a hearing on the fiscal year 2022 budget request of the Department of the Army with Secretary of the Army Christine E. Wormuth and Chief of Staff of the Army General James McConville. In the hearing, Congressman Horsford questioned witnesses about sexual harassment and military weapons security.

"Too often, our military justice system has not adequately protected and supported survivors of sexual harassment and assault," said Congressman Steven Horsford. "During today's hearing, I was glad to hear from Secretary Wormuth about the Army's efforts to hold commanders accountable for their role in eliminating sexual harassment and assault. As we work on a nationwide level to reduce violent crime, I was additionally appreciative of their efforts to ensure that stolen military weapons are not falling into the hands of dangerous criminals. I thank Secretary Wormuth and General McConville for their testimony, and look forward to working with them to ensure that all our soldiers are safe, respected, and combat-ready."

During the hearing, Congressman Horsford pressed Secretary Wormuth about how the Army plans to hold commanders accountable for reducing sexual harassment and assault within their ranks. Secretary Wormuth responded that the Army is fundamentally redesigning the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program to keep soldiers safe, particularly after the Fort Hood report found a permissive environment for harassment in the wake of Spc. Vanessa Guillén's death.

In additional questioning, Congressman Horsford raised concerns over recent reports that stolen U.S. military weapons have been used in violent domestic crimes. In response, Secretary Wormuth stressed the Army's commitment to weapons security and noted that the Army has created a task force to identify any systemic security issues.

Congressman Horsford's remarks and subsequent questioning can be found here.

Nevada's Fourth District is home to four military installations, including Nellis Air Force Base, Creech Air Force Base, Nevada Test and Training Range, and Hawthorne Army Depot.

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