Vern Buchanan Co-Sponsors Bill on Military Sexual Assault

With revelations that sexual assault is on the rise in the military, Florida Republican U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan announced on Tuesday that he was co-sponsoring a bill with Ohio Republican Michael Turner and Massachusetts Democrat Niki Tsongas which prevents officers from overturning convictions for major offenses including sexual assault. The BE SAFE Act ensures any officer found guilty of rape, sexual abuse or forcible sodomy be dishonorably discharged.

This type of shameful behavior must be dealt with swiftly and firmly, said Buchanan, noting that the vast majority of military sexual assault cases go unreported. Helping the victims of sexual violence, whether it be in the military or civilian life, is not a political issue it is a moral issue. We must do everything in our power to protect the victims of abuse while bringing their perpetrators to justice.

Every day, thousands of young men and women enlist in the armed forces prepared to lay down their life in defense of their nation, said Buchanan. The last thing on their mind is that they could become a victim of sexual assault. This bill takes a critical step toward protecting survivors while prosecuting those responsible for these heinous crimes.