Today the House passed Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22)’s amendment that would direct the military to examine the need for a new definition of rape and sexual assault in cases when someone abuses the Military Chain of Command. 

Frankel introduced an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act in response to a constituent’s heartbreaking experience with sexual abuse in the United States Coast Guard. Frankel gave an impassioned speech on the House floor today on behalf of Elisha Morrow of Boynton Beach and all service members affected by sexual assault and rape in the military.

The Frankel amendment seeks to address a flaw in current military law, which requires proof of physical harm or threat of life in order to prosecute for serious sexual crimes. The current law does not account for situations in which the superior abuses his or her position to take advantage of victims.

For video of Frankel’s speech click here and please find the text of her speech as delivered below.

I am the mother of a US marine war veteran and I remember well the pride my son felt when he put on his uniform. My constituent, Elisha Morrow, felt the same pride when at age 22 she joined the United States Coast Guard. 

She started boot camp full of hope for her future, and that hope quickly turned into humiliation and sorrow as her company commander became her enemy. First he ordered her to clean his office and later harassed her with sexual innuendos and advancements night after night.  

Feeling hopeless and fearing retribution, Elisha stayed silent until the commander became more emboldened.  He again ordered another female recruit to his office at night.  This time he ordered her to remove her clothes and engage in unwanted sex.   

Thankfully, the victimized servicewoman was brave enough to pursue charges but because it was determined that she was not under physical threat and she did not fear for her life, her assailant got away with the lesser offenses of Cruelty & Maltreatment and Adultery – instead of being charged with rape.

And this is not full justice.

When our daughters and our sons put on the uniform to protect us, the United States, they must be protected from such abuse of a power to the upmost extent.

Mr. Chair, the intention of this amendment is to do just that. I thank you, and I yield back my time.

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