For Immediate Release                                                   Contact: Amanda Molk, 202-225-5256
May 21, 2003

Napolitano  Addresses Rape in Service Academies

Congresswoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA38) has helped secure language in the FY2004 Department of Defense Authorization bill, H.R. 1588, to address the problem of sexual assault at our military academies.  “In March, 19 of my women colleagues joined me in sending a letter to the Armed Services Committee asking them to address this issue.  I am gratified that the Committee considered our request and included a provision in the authorization bill to set up a task force to deal with this serious concern,” stated Napolitano.

“Every year I nominate young men and women from our area for appointments to our nation’s military academies.  I do not want to send these students to environments where they may be subjected to sexual assault.  These young people and their parents deserve to know that the government is doing everything possible to protect them, ensure due process, appropriate punishments for perpetrators and needed healthcare and counseling services for victims,” the Congresswoman added.

H.R. 1588 contains a provision to establish a task force to examine sexual violence and harassment at the Army and Naval academies.  It also requires the Secretary to assess the effectiveness of reforms currently underway at the Air Force Academy.  Based on his report, the task force will recommend further actions to deal with sexual violence at the Air Force Academy. 

“The formation of this task force is an important step, and I look forward to reviewing its report and recommendations next year.  Our female cadets deserve a safe environment, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that progress is made.  We cannot tolerate further violence at our military academies,” Napolitano concluded.

The House will continue debating H.R. 1588, and is expected vote on its final passage tomorrow.

Representative Grace F. Napolitano, 38th District of California
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