Today, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing to address widespread problem of sexual assault in the United States military.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, co-chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus (MSAPC) and top Democrat on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, released the following statement:
"Look at the roster of witnesses testifying in today's Senate hearing, or simply look around that room, and you can begin to understand the deep-rooted culture failure permeating the United States armed forces. There is very little counterpoint to the military's adherence to the status quo.
"Today's hearing was dominated by military personnel, without one sexual assault survivor testifying. Of the 20 witnesses, only two were from advocacy organizations that fight for change.
"In recent months we have seen reports rise, commanders and supervisors abuse their authority, and officers in charge of prevention efforts allegedly commit the crimes they swore to stop. This is clearly a systemic problem and accountability is needed at every level, from everyone -- officer and enlisted alike.
"I do not doubt the commitment of our military leaders to eradicating the scourge of sexual assault in our ranks and it is of course vitally important to hear their plan for moving forward. But opinion and information from a variety of sources, especially those whose lives have been directly impacted, is a vital part of changing this flawed culture.
"The military has obviously been unable to solve this problem independently. Congress' role is to provide the tools needed and make sure they're being used properly. The best way to do this is to consider and discuss all options, with input from a variety of sources.
"I have worked closely with Senator Susan Collins, Senator Claire McCaskill and Representative Mike Turner on the BE SAFE Act, which will take steps to correct some of the recent alarming issues that have arisen due to failures of the military justice system, as well as increase support for survivors. Bicameral, bipartisan cooperation is possible and necessary if we want to enact the kind of change required to erase sexual assault from our armed services.
"Several pieces of legislation have been proposed that all provide support for sexual assault survivors and move toward changing the deep-rooted and flawed culture that has allowed these crimes to pervade our armed forces. I am encouraged by the action on both sides of the aisle. Even though some of us might be walking different roads, we are all moving in the same direction, toward the same goal of reducing these horrific crimes.
"BE SAFE is an important step, but cannot be the last. We have to get this right. I look forward to continuing to work with my House and Senate colleagues for the safety of our men and women in uniform and for the sake of national security."