06.04.21

Hoeven Cosponsors Bipartisan Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven, a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, today announced he is cosponsoring the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act, bipartisan legislation that takes important steps to modernize the military justice system for serious crimes, including sexual assault, rape and murder. Additionally, the bill includes provisions to help prevent serious crimes and improve safety on military installations.  

“This bipartisan legislation will make important improvements to the military justice system, and includes provisions to help prevent sexual assault and other serious crimes,” said Hoeven. “This is about providing justice and accountability, as well as security improvements and training to prevent serious crimes. Our men and women in uniform make tremendous sacrifices to defend our nation, and we need to do all we can to support them.”

The Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act is designed to help address and reduce incidences of serious crimes, including rape and sexual assault, in the military. Key provisions of the bill include:

  • Moving the decision to prosecute serious crimes, like rape and sexual assault, from a commander to a professional, independent and trained military prosecutor.
  • Requiring safety and security improvements on military installations, including locks cameras and other security measures to improve safety in lodging and living spaces.
  • Increasing training and education about sexual assault across the Department of Defense (DoD).
  • Enhancing training of military prosecutors in handling sexual assault and domestic violence cases.

The legislation was introduced by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and is supported by the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Vietnam Veterans of America and others. 

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