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By DONNA CASSATA
December 20, 2013 3:33 AM
A view north from atop the U.S.
Capitol dome shows the Russell Senate Office Building (R) and Union
Station (2nd R) during a media tour of the dome on Capitol Hill in
Washington, December 19, 2013. The Capitol dome has not undergone a
complete restoration since 1959-1960 and due to age and weather the
Architect of the Capitol says that it now has more than 1,000 cracks and
deficiencies. Americans longing for a makeover in Washington will get
their wish partially granted as the dome of the U.S. Capitol - but not
the lawmakers who work inside - undergoes a $60 million restoration. To
match USA-CAPITOL/DOME REUTERS/Douglas Graham/POOL (UNITED STATES -
Tags: POLITICS TRAVEL SOCIETY)
WASHINGTON (AP) — The
women of the Senate who led the fight to change how the military deals
with sexual assault in its ranks are hailing passage of a comprehensive
defense bill that now heads to President Barack Obama for his signature.
The Senate
voted 84-15 Thursday night for the $632.8 billion bill that covers
combat pay, new ships, aircraft and military bases. Drawing the greatest
attention were provisions cracking down on perpetrators of sexual
assault and rape.
The
military's handling of high-profile cases united Democrats and
Republicans, House and Senate in a concerted effort to change the
Uniform Code of Military Justice, with Senate women leading the fight.
Estimates from the Pentagon that 26,000 members of the military may have
been sexually assaulted last year, though thousands were afraid to come
forward for fear of inaction or retribution, emboldened lawmakers to
act.
"Today represents a huge
win for victims of sexual assault, and for justice in America's armed
forces, but this is no finish line," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo.,
one of seven women on the Armed Services Committee who pushed for the
changes. "In the months and years ahead, vigilance will be required to
ensure that these historic reforms are implemented forcefully and
effectively."
The legislation
would strip military commanders of their ability to overturn jury
convictions, require a civilian review if a commander declines to
prosecute a case and require that any individual convicted of sexual
assault face a dishonorable discharge or dismissal. The bill also would
provide victims with legal counsel, eliminate the statute of limitations
for courts-martial in rape and sexual assault cases, and criminalize
retaliation against victims who report a sexual assault.
"Today
we have taken a major, unprecedented step toward finally eliminating
the plague of sexual assault in our nation's military," said Sen. Patty
Murray, D-Wash.
Read More Here
.....
Military.com
Congress Sends Sweeping Defense Bill to Obama
The Senate voted 84-15 Thursday night for the $632.8 billion bill that covers combat pay, new ships, aircraft and military bases. Drawing the greatest attention were provisions cracking down on perpetrators of sexual assault and rape.
The military's handling of high-profile cases united Democrats and Republicans, House and Senate in a concerted effort to change the Uniform Code of Military Justice, with Senate women leading the fight. Estimates from the Pentagon that 26,000 members of the military may have been sexually assaulted last year, though thousands were afraid to come forward for fear of inaction or retribution, emboldened lawmakers to act.
"Today represents a huge win for victims of sexual assault, and for justice in America's armed forces, but this is no finish line," said Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., one of seven women on the Armed Services Committee who pushed for the changes. "In the months and years ahead, vigilance will be required to ensure that these historic reforms are implemented forcefully and effectively."
The legislation would strip military commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, require a civilian review if a commander declines to prosecute a case and require that any individual convicted of sexual assault face a dishonorable discharge or dismissal. The bill also would provide victims with legal counsel, eliminate the statute of limitations for courts-martial in rape and sexual assault cases, and criminalize retaliation against victims who report a sexual assault.
"Today we have taken a major, unprecedented step toward finally eliminating the plague of sexual assault in our nation's military," said Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash.
Another member of the Armed Services panel, Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., said the special counsel "will help encourage victims to come forward to seek justice, and it will help ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their crimes."
Read More Here
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