26,000 members of the Armed Forces were victims of sexual assault within the past year. Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) believes these assaults are morally reprehensible, damaging to morale, and un-American, and strongly supports stiffer penalties included in the National Defense Authorization Act.
CONTACT: Jamie Bowers, 704-365-6234
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 14, 2013
CONGRESSMAN PITTENGER VOTES TO INCREASE PENALTIES FOR MILITARY SEXUAL ASSAULT
26,000 members of the Armed Forces were victims of sexual assault within the past year. Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) believes these assaults are morally reprehensible, damaging to morale, and un-American, and strongly supports stiffer penalties included in the National Defense Authorization Act.
“Sexual assault will not be tolerated, period,” stated Congressman Pittenger. “The brave men and women defending our freedom shouldn’t be worried about enemies within the ranks, nor should they fear becoming victims a second time by a military culture that protects the perpetrators.”
Congressman Pittenger voted to include a key amendment which calls for:
- Mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years confinement plus dishonorable discharge if convicted of rape or sexual assault. Currently, the military has no minimum punishment for these crimes.
- Assigning military lawyers to serve as special counsels to alleged victims during legal proceedings.
- Stripping commanders of the authority to overturn or lessen punishment for service members convicted of rape or sexual assault.
The National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 315-108, also:
- Blocks President Obama’s attempt to increase fees for Veterans’ healthcare.
- Includes a modest pay raise for troops.
- Provides for vital combat operations that were previously underfunded.
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