Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act For Fiscal Year 2015

Floor Speech

Madam Chair, in 2011, all of New York's Chinatown suffered a profound loss when Private Danny Chen died in Afghanistan. We did not lose this young man through combat with the enemy. Rather, Danny passed away after enduring horrific abuse and hazing at the hands of others in his unit. After months of being forced to do pushups while holding water in his mouth, being kicked, called racial slurs and having rocks thrown at him, Danny died while on guard duty.

One of the great tragedies of this case is that Danny's superiors--both enlisted troops and officers--were either complicit with his hazing or turned a blind eye, allowing his abuse to continue. We have to wonder, if Danny Chen had somewhere to turn whether he would still be alive today. If someone else in Danny's unit had been able to speak out--without fear of repercussions--might things have ended differently? Would Danny's parents, Szu Chen and Yao Ten, still have their son?

Unfortunately, hazing remains too common in the military--and often goes unreported. By requiring every branch of the military to establish a tip line where these incidents could be reported, this amendment would help create a zero-tolerance environment for hazing. Not only will this provide help for the servicemember suffering abuse, but it can serve as a powerful deterrent. When potential bullies know inappropriate behavior can be anonymously and safely reported, they will be more cautious.

Madam Chair, no family should have to endure what the Chens have. The brave men and women who serve our Nation risk everything on our behalf. We owe it to them to ensure they operate in a professional environment where everyone is afforded dignity and respect, regardless of background. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the amendment.

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