Sexual Assault in the US Military Hearings; Job Training Bill Eliminates Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations Programs

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Family Support
H.R. 1069----Rep. Charles Boustany (R-LA)/Ways and Means (3/12/13)---A bill to require states to implement a drug screening and testing program for applicants for and recipients of assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and for other purposes.

Judiciary
H.R. 1091----Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH)/Judiciary (3/12/12) --- A bill to implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person.S. 583 ---- Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)/Read the first time (3/14/13)---A bill to implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person.

Military
S. 548----Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)/Armed Services (3/13/13) --- A bill to improve and enhance the capabilities of the armed forces to prevent and respond to sexual assault and sexual harassment in the armed forces, and for other purposes.

Violence Against Women
H.R. 1177----Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA)/Judiciary (3/14/13) --- A bill to protect more victims of domestic violence by preventing their abusers from possessing or receiving firearms, and for other purposes.H.R. 1229 ---- Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA)/Education and the Workforce, Financial Services, Ways and Means, Judiciary (3/15/13) --- A bill to promote the economic security and safety of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and for other purposes. 

Senate Panel Focuses on Military Sexual Assault

On March 13, the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel held a hearing, “Sexual Assaults in the Military.” Chair Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-SC) heard testimony from three panels of witnesses regarding the pervasiveness of sexual assault in the military, as well as potential reforms to prevent sexual misconduct and to address the challenges faced by victims.

In her testimony, Anu Bhagwati, executive director and co-founder of the Service Women’s Action Network, recommended reforms to the military justice system, saying, “Congress should grant convening authority over criminal cases to trained, professional, disinterested prosecutors. Commanding officers cannot make truly impartial decisions because of their professional affiliation with the accused, and often times with the victim as well.” She continued, “Allowing military victims to pursue civil claims will act as a real deterrent to workplace assault and harassment – a deterrent that does not exist in today’s military.”

Major General Gary S. Patton, United States Army, director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office, discussed the importance of preserving the commander’s role in the investigation of sexual assault cases in his testimony, saying, “By DoD policy, sexual assault complaints are investigated by military criminal investigative organizations that are independent of the chain of command. The results of these investigations are provided to commanders, who then are responsible for taking appropriate actions. Removing disciplinary authorities from a commander’s purview would jeopardize the good order and discipline of the unit, and impact unit readiness.”

The following individuals also testified:

• The Honorable Barbara Boxer (D-CA);
• BriGette McCoy, former specialist, United States Army;
• Rebekah Havrilla, former sergeant, United States Army;
• Brian K. Lewis, former petty officer third class, United States Navy Advocacy Board Member, Protect Our Defenders;
• Robert S. Taylor, acting general counsel, Department of Defense;
• Lieutenant General Dana K. Chipman, judge advocate general, United States Army;
• Vice Admiral Nanette M. DeRenzi, judge advocate general, United States Navy;
• Lieutenant General Richard C. Harding, judge advocate general, United States Air Force;
• Major General Vaughn A. Ary, staff judge advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps; and
• Rear Admiral Frederick J. Kenney, Jr., judge advocate general, United States Coast Guard.

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