Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a motion offered by Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) to improve VA care for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST) and to instruct the VA conference committee to pass the more comprehensive Senate-passed version of the VA reform bill. Passage of Brownley’s motion represents a historic victory, as such motions offered by members of the House minority rarely pass. Brownley’s motion passed 213-193.
“I am so pleased that the House passed my motion to accept the more comprehensive Senate-passed VA reform bill and to improve VA care for survivors of Military Sexual Trauma,” said Congresswoman Brownley. “Today’s vote sent a clear signal to Speaker Boehner that there is broad, bipartisan support in the House to move forward on the VA reform legislation and to get the more comprehensive Senate-approved bill to the President’s desk immediately. It also sent a strong message regarding the House’s support for improving care for survivors of Military Sexual Assault.”
According to the Department of Defense, an estimated 26,000 cases of unwanted sexual contact occurred in 2012, which was up dramatically from 19,000 reported the year before. Based on the DOD’s studies, only 13.5 percent of incidents are reported, and a majority of the victims are men (53 percent).
To view Congresswoman Brownley’s remarks on the House floor, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEss1WADon8.
Issues: 113th Congress, Veterans' Affairs