Rep. Negrete McLeod Votes for Bill to Help Victims of Military Sexual Assault

Statement

Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Calif), a member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, released the following statement after voting for HR 671, the Ruth Moore Act of 2013 which passed in the House of Representatives. The bill is designed to push the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to update its regulations in order to better serve victims of military sexual trauma.

"This legislation is an important step forward in assuring that VA gives full consideration for disability claims originating from sexual violence in the military," said Negrete McLeod. "As a co-sponsor of HR 671 and a member of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, I believe we must help support our veterans who may confront challenges upon returning to civilian life. This includes obtaining compensation for violence committed by a fellow service member."

The Ruth Moore Act is named after Ruth Moore, a veteran who was raped in the military and struggled with the VA for over 20 years to access benefits. H.R. 671 was introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine).

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