Grassley Pushes for Independent Military Justice System

Statement

In Washington, promises of reform are often just promises until an institution is forced into action. The action often comes after public embarrassment and pressure through outside scrutiny -- from Congress, watchdog groups, and the national media.

But the military's approach to sexual assault seems to be a brick wall that won't crumble under the usual pressures. Even as Congress hears from military leaders that change is happening, the evidence of change is thin. More accounts of sexual assault and retaliation for reporting sexual assault are becoming public. More victims are willing to tell their stories publicly. More individuals are willing to speak out on how the military justice system has failed them, personally and professionally. More than enough victims have come forward to prompt substantive change.

The longer we wait, the more we will fail the men and women who choose to serve in our country's military. The Military Justice Improvement Act will bring the change that public pressure will not and cannot.

There's an old Washington expression that trying to turn around a bureaucracy is like trying to turn around an aircraft carrier. It takes time and effort. When it comes to military justice, we don't have the luxury of waiting for the aircraft carrier to turn around. We need action, now.

In closing, I am attempting to determine what, if anything, the Defense Department inspector general is doing to address and resolve the situation with Colonel Christensen. The concerns about retaliation are troubling. We need people who speak out instead of going along to get along if we're going to turn around an entire culture and system.

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