Hanabusa Votes to Protect Servicemember from Sexual Harm

Statement

U.S. Representative Colleen Hanabusa (HI-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, voted in support of a bill that would better protect servicemembers from retaliation for reporting cases of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or other sexual misconduct.

H.R. 1864 would require an Inspector General investigation for allegations of retaliation on victims of these crimes.

"I am proud to stand in support of our men and women in uniform," Hanabusa said, "and maintain our focus on the importance of ensuring a safe environment for those who serve to defend our country. I supported similar legislation in the National Defense Authorization Act to provide protections for our servicemembers, and am glad to see this stand-alone bill that helps address the ongoing problem of sexual assault and other sexual misconduct in the military.

"We cannot allow fear of retaliation to prevent the reporting of these serious crimes. Failing to act would amount to victimizing the victims, and potentially allowing these crimes to become a silent and growing threat to the morale and security of our troops. We ask these men and women to face many dangers for our nation; sexual harm should not be one of them."

Under current law, an Inspector General investigation is only triggered for allegations of retaliation on victims of sexual harassment. This bill expands and strengthens the law to include victims of sexual assault, including rape, and other sexual misconduct.

H.R. 1864 passed the House by a vote of 423-0 and now heads to the Senate.

Source