Today, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included five amendments introduced by Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02). The 2020 NDAA legislation funds the United States’ national defense and security operations, as well as a pay raise for our troops. Congresswoman Kuster’s amendments would improve Department of Defense (DOD) Property Management, require military officials to consult with trauma experts when reviewing claims related to military sexual trauma (MST), require military officials to receive training on MST, begin a study on the partnership between civilian and military domestic and sexual violence response providers, and register all Civilian Protection Orders on DOD facilities.  

“I’m glad the House passed this legislation to fund operations that are critical to our national security, and provide a pay raise for our troops,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “This year’s NDAA includes several provisions I introduced to combat military sexual trauma and better support MST survivors, increase coordination between the military and civilians to reduce violence and harassment, and improve data collection in the Department of Defense’s property management.”

“Military sexual trauma is an ongoing scourge that we must address with urgency,” Kuster continued. “Our servicemembers and veterans sacrifice so much for our country and it is unthinkable that they must worry about sexual harassment and assault on top of the service they have signed up to perform. Additionally, dishonorably discharging service members who are struggling in the aftermath of being assaulted is simply outrageous. Requiring military officials who review these cases to get trauma-informed training and consult with trauma experts will help survivors obtain the justice they deserve and better respond to their needs. My provisions also address the need to increase coordination between the military and civilians to help ensure civilian restraining orders are also upheld on military bases and installations. We’ve made progress in addressing military sexual violence and harassment, but we have more work to do, and these amendments are an important step forward.”

On her amendment to improve data collection in the Department of Defense’s property management, Kuster said, “This provision will help DOD save billions spent on outdated or unlisted DOD facilities, reduce fraud and improve efficiency within the Department.”

In addition to the amendments she sponsored, Congresswoman Kuster cosponsored amendments to create an online clearinghouse of information for members of the Armed Services on treatments and health risks associated with PFAS exposure, prohibit the unauthorized use of military force against Iran, and expand Paid Family Leave to members of the Armed Forces and federal employees.

Information about Kuster’s Amendments are available below:

Kuster #229: Requires Board for the Correction of Military Records and Discharge Review Boards to consult with an expert in trauma specific to sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or spousal abuse when reviewing applicant claims based on sexual assault, intimate partner violence, or spousal abuse.

Kuster #230: Requires members of boards for the correction of military records and discharge review boards receive training in sexual trauma, intimate partner violence, spousal abuse, and the various responses of individuals to trauma.

Kuster #231: Requires the Secretary of Defense enact policies and procedures to register civilian protection orders on military bases.

Kuster #232: Requires the Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment submit a report to Congress evaluating service-level best practices for collecting real property data and implement service-wide guidance based off these best practices.

Kuster #233: Requires GAO complete a study on partnerships between military installations and civilian domestic and sexual violence response organizations and provide recommendations to improve collaboration and services provided to survivors of sexual and domestic violence.

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