WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today issued the following statement after the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault (IRC) published their full report and recommendations on the Department of Defense’s way forward to address sexual assault in the military.
“President Biden and Secretary Austin have been very clear about their commitment to address sexual assault in the military, and the decision to adopt the recommendations of the IRC is proof that they are treating this issue with the urgency it deserves. As I have said, the scourge of sexual assault in our military must come to an end, and after years of trying and failing to address the problem the time has come to remove the prosecution of sexual assault crimes from the chain of command.
“As Congress considers the legislative path forward to implement reforms to address sexual assault in the military, the House Armed Services Committee will convene a public hearing so that members can hear directly from the IRC.
“I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration and my colleagues in Congress to identify the best policy solution for our service members and deliver results.”
“President Biden and Secretary Austin have been very clear about their commitment to address sexual assault in the military, and the decision to adopt the recommendations of the IRC is proof that they are treating this issue with the urgency it deserves. As I have said, the scourge of sexual assault in our military must come to an end, and after years of trying and failing to address the problem the time has come to remove the prosecution of sexual assault crimes from the chain of command.
“As Congress considers the legislative path forward to implement reforms to address sexual assault in the military, the House Armed Services Committee will convene a public hearing so that members can hear directly from the IRC.
“I look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration and my colleagues in Congress to identify the best policy solution for our service members and deliver results.”
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