Wilson Statement on DOD's New Policies to Address Sexual Assault

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, released the following statement in response to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel's executive actions on sexual assault prevention:

"Protecting our brave men and women from sexual assaults and holding those accountable who are convicted of committing these shameful crimes must be made a priority within the Department of Defense. I am pleased that Secretary Hagel is taking additional action to prevent sexual assault and enhance protections for victims of sexual assault in the military. Some of the executive actions that Secretary Hagel has chosen to pursue were included in the House passed version of the FY14 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and I find it encouraging that DOD is choosing to enact these measures on their own volition. It is my hope that DOD will keep Congress informed of the effectiveness of these measures in a timely manner so that DOD and Congress can work together to solve this unacceptable problem within our military," Congressman Wilson said.