McCaskill Reacts to President's Comments on Military Sexual Assault

Press Release

President gives military leaders one year to show substantial progress with historic reforms approved by Congress

Former sex crimes prosecutor and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill today released the following reaction to the President's comments giving military leaders one year to demonstrate substantial progress combatting military sexual assaults, with the historic reforms approved by Congress:

"The President should be commended for treating this scourge with the seriousness it deserves, and for fully backing the historic, comprehensive reforms we pushed across the finish line last night. I agree with him that we should give these significant reforms the time they need to succeed. And I too, plan to spend the next year holding commanders accountable, and ensuring that these historic reforms are implemented forcefully and effectively."

Last night's legislation contains bipartisan reforms to the "Article 32" pre-trial process, as well as a long list of historic provisions, including:

Stripping military commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions

Requiring civilian review if a commander declines to prosecute a case

Assigning victims their own independent legal counsel to protect their rights and fight for their interests

Mandating dishonorable discharge for anyone convicted of sexual assault

Criminalizing retaliation against victims who report a sexual assault

Eliminating the statute of limitations in rape and sexual assault cases

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