ICYMI: Sen. Cruz: We Have an Obligation to Protect Our Servicemen and Women
Attends press conference in support of Military Justice Improvement Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Following today’s vote on the Military Justice Improvement Act amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) joined Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) at a press conference today in support of the measure. The amendment required 60 votes to pass and was not agreed to by a vote of 50-49. Highlights of Sen. Cruz’s remarks are below and may be viewed above.
“There are not many issues that bring together a bipartisan coalition like this. But this is an issue on which we are united. Two Congresses in a row, a majority of the Senate has voted for change. This [legislation] will pass,” Sen. Cruz said.
“There are two objectives, both of which are important, one: preserving good order and discipline in the military. And two: protecting our servicemen and women from sexual assault. These principles are not in tension; they’re in harmony. When our young men and young women are subjected to sexual assault, it undermines good order and justice….
“Our soldiers, and sailors, and airmen, and our marines are brave patriots who voluntarily stand up and say they will risk life and limb to defend our nation. But they don’t sign up to be the victims of rape, they don’t sign up to be the victims of sexual assault, and we have a solemn obligation to protect them, to put in place a military justice system that protects every single fighting man and woman."
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