Continuing her call for action to help end the epidemic of sexual assault in the military, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) this week called on Congress to support bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would enhance whistleblower protections for service members who report instances of sexual assault in the military.

“Sexual assault in the military is nothing short of a crisis. We owe it to our men and women in uniform, and to our veterans, to do all we can to prevent military sexual violence, improve medical services for survivors, and hold attackers accountable,” Kuster said during a speech on the House floor. “And we must safeguard those who report these crimes and ensure they are not retaliated against for doing the right thing.”

“That is why I am a proud cosponsor of H.R. 1864, which is included in the National Defense Authorization Act we are voting on this week,” Kuster continued. “Introduced by my friends and colleagues, Congresswomen Jackie Walorski and Loretta Sanchez, this important legislation would strengthen protections for whistleblowers who report sexual violence in the military. This reform has bipartisan support in both chambers, 102 cosponsors in the House, and the strong backing of many of the freshmen Representatives focused on working across the aisle to get things done.”

Kuster has repeatedly spoken about the need for action to prevent military sexual trauma. Kuster recently toured the new women’s center at the White River Junction VA Medical Center and spoke with staff about the need for improved services for survivors of military sexual trauma. In April, Kuster wrote an op-ed focused on the need for bipartisan action to better prevent and respond to sexual assault in the military.

Kuster is a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the bipartisan Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus.

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