Washington, D.C. —Ranking Member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Rick Larsen (D-WA) and Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT) released the following statements regarding the provisions in the Coast Guard Authorization Act to protect members of the Coast Guard from sexual assault and harassment, which will be included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
“The women and men serving our country deserve to be kept safe,” Ranking Member Larsen said. “I am proud that the National Defense Authorization Act includes safeguards, transparency and accountability to ensure that members of the Coast Guard, including cadets at the Coast Guard Academy, can work in an environment free from sexual assault and harassment.”
“The serious issue of sexual assault in the Coast Guard was brought to light because of the brave servicemembers and cadets who came forward to describe their degrading experiences. As they recounted, the threat of possible disciplinary reprisals against victims, inhibited prosecution of real perpetrators,” Rep. Courtney said. “Codifying Safe-to-Report protections into law will be a game changer to ensure that talented Guard members will be able to contribute to the Coast Guard mission in a safe workplace. All Americans will truly benefit from its enactment.”
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