Johanns Applauds Senate Action to Combat Sexal Assaults in Military

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) today voted in favor of two measures to curb the high rate of sexual assaults in the military. Johanns cosponsored the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 introduced by Sen. Gillibrand (D-NY), and voted for the Victims Protection Act of 2014, sponsored by Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), which advanced unanimously.
“Our service members gladly accept the risk that comes with serving our nation – that risk should not be compounded by the higher possibility of being a victim of sexual assault,” Johanns said. “These brave men and women make incredible sacrifices to protect our freedoms and ensure our safety. They deserve to know such cases will be properly handled and justice will be served.
“While I would have preferred the tougher language offered by Senator Gillibrand, I was happy to support the alternative that passed. I’m pleased the Senate addressed this issue today.”
In May 2013, a Department of Defense report on sexual assaults in the military found that as many as 26,000 sexual assault cases occurred in 2012, yet only 3,342 incidents were reported.