Press Releases
Kuster Helps Pass Bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act
Washington, DC,
December 13, 2013
Yesterday, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined a bipartisan majority of her colleagues in voting to approve the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation contains important measures to address the growing epidemic of sexual assault in the military – including an amendment pushed by Kuster – as well as other important provisions to improve military readiness and support our troops.
Legislation includes amendment Kuster pushed that would enhance whistleblower protections for service members who report sexual assaults; for weeks, Kuster helped drum up bipartisan support for the amendment in the House Measure also includes important provisions to improve military readiness and support our troops Yesterday, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) joined a bipartisan majority of her colleagues in voting to approve the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act. This legislation contains important measures to address the growing epidemic of sexual assault in the military – including an amendment pushed by Kuster – as well as other important provisions to improve military readiness and support our troops. “I am grateful that members of both parties came together to advance this critical legislation, which will help ensure that our servicemen and women have the funding and resources they need to do their jobs and keep our county safe,” Kuster said. “While this is not a perfect bill, I am also pleased that this legislation includes key reforms to combat military sexual assault, including an amendment I pushed for that would strengthen whistleblower protections for service members who report sexual assaults.” Kuster, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the bipartisan Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, has been outspoken about the need to address the epidemic of sexual assault in the military. Yesterday, she took to the House floor to speak about the importance of passing reforms to help prevent military sexual assaults. Earlier this year, Kuster hosted a roundtable focused on military sexual assault with key experts and stakeholders from around the Granite State. Kuster has toured the new women’s center at the White River Junction VA Medical Center and spoken with staff about the need for improved services for survivors of military sexual trauma. In April, she wrote an op-ed focused on the need for bipartisan action to better prevent and respond to sexual assault in the military. ### |