Meehan Calls for Action to Stop Military Sexual Assault

Press Release

Today Congressman Patrick Meehan (PA-07) hosted a discussion with victims, advocates and representatives from the Philadelphia V.A. about the alarming rise in sexual assault in the military at the Philadelphia Veterans Multi Service & Education Center (PVMSEC).

"Today we heard riveting stories from victims of military sexual assault, and these heartbreaking stories underscore the need for immediate action to end this crisis," said Congressman Meehan. "The men and women of our nation's armed forces deserve the chance to serve their country free of fear from sexual assault or harassment by their fellow servicemembers or superiors."

"The Congressman is investing his time and energy into this issue and we're very heartened by his interest," said Marsha Four,a retired Army nurse and member of the National Board of Directors of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), who participated in today's discussion. "We look forward to working with Congressman Meehan on the approach that might be taken by Congress to look at the very complicated and complex environment in which this is occurring."

Meehan helped introduce bipartisan legislation, H.R. 1079, the Military Judicial Reform Act, that removes a little-known provision of the Uniform Code of Military Justice that allows a senior military officer that convenes a courtmartial -- the so-called "convening authority" -- to reduce or dismiss a guilty verdict. Meehan is also a cosponsor of H.R. 1867, the BE SAFE Act, bipartisan legislation to address convening authority and create automatic discharge for a conviction in major sexual assault cases.

At today's discussion, Congressman Meehan was joined by Tim Meserve, a retired Air Force Lt Colonel and Executive Director of the PVMSEC; representatives from the Philadelphia V.A. who work with victims of military sexual assault; and several area veterans who were victims of sexual assault during their service.

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