Dear Lucas,
For months we’ve fought together to bring attention to the ongoing crisis of sexual assault in the military. And we’re about to get our proverbial day in court.
Last week I held a press conference with survivors, advocates and veterans’ groups, demanding support for the Military Justice Improvement Act. Now we’re expected to get a full vote in the Senate – as soon as this week.
It’s time we pulled the blinders off. An estimated 26,000 cases of rapes, sexual assaults and unwanted sexual contact happened in our military just last year. That’s three per hour. These numbers are horrific – and unacceptable.
Our troops deserve better – and as Veterans Day approaches, I’m more determined than ever to win them justice. Every day that we delay means an estimated 71 new assaults – I need you to stand with us again in demanding our bill be passed now.
We can’t let them down now by failing to pass the reforms that will ensure they can actually bring their attackers to justice. Stand with us again to stamp out what Defense Secretary Hagel calls the "scourge" of military sexual assault – and demand passage now.
This is our vote. This is their chance for justice. Let’s make sure that this time, our brave men and women in uniform get it.
Thanks for your support,
Kirsten [Gillibrand]