Legislation also takes steps to address military sexual assault crisis
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after provisions he authored to support the Rock Island Arsenal and the National Guard were passed by the full House. Loebsack, the only member of the Iowa delegation who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, included these provisions in the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
"The men and women who serve our nation deserve the best support, resources and care available. While I do not support every provision in this bill, I am proud to have addressed many Iowa priorities. From making the Rock Island Arsenal stronger, to requiring mental health and suicide prevention resources be provided to our National Guard and Reserve servicemembers, this legislation ensures our troops and military families have the resources they need, and at the same time, strengthening our economy here at home."
The legislation also includes language, which Loebsack supported and worked to include, to address the ongoing military sexual assault crisis. Loebsack cosponsored an amendment that would have removed prosecution of sexual assault crimes form the chain of command but the amendment was not allowed by the House Majority to be considered on the House Floor.
"While I pushed for stronger action to be taken in response to these disgusting crimes, I am pleased this legislation takes significant steps to address the ongoing sexual assault crisis that the military is facing. As a military parent and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I will continue to take action to make sure this issue is not pushed to the side, as it has for far too long."
Specific details of the provisions Loebsack authored can be found here.
###
