Justice for Harmony Allen

Floor Speech

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Mr. MAST. Madam Speaker, Harmony Allen is a veteran who was raped by her Air Force instructor while serving our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate justice for Harmony Allen.

Now, for two decades, Harmony has been fighting for justice. Despite being convicted in 2017, her rapist was set free on a misconstrued technicality after the Nation's highest military court disregarded Congress' intent and incorrectly applied a 5-year statute of limitations on Harmony's case.

To fix this loophole, I introduced Harmony's Law to ensure that convicted rapists are held accountable. I also worked with the Solicitor General in the Supreme Court to hear Harmony's case and overturn this massive miscarriage of justice.

Madam Speaker, last week, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Harmony Allen's favor. The Court's 8-0 decision is a monumental one, and it serves a justice to Harmony that was long overdue. It also prevents the potential early release of hundreds of convicted rapists, making this a victory for all victims of military sexual assault.

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