U.S. Edition
This Sunday, the two female Iraq War combat veterans in Congress – Democrats Tammy Duckworth and Tulsi Gabbard – react to the Pentagon’s sexual assault report.
An estimated 26,000 cases of unwanted sexual contact occurred among service members in 2012, though only 3,374 cases were reported. The results sparked strong reactions from Capitol Hill.
“Well, it's absolutely unacceptable,” Duckworth told “State of the Union” host Candy Crowley. “I want the military to be a place where women can succeed and thrive the way I was able to. And the military leadership, at this point, have shown that they have not been capable of fixing this problem.”
The big numbers don’t tell the whole story though. Down on page 71 of the report is the one of the smallest number that stands out the most.
238 – the number of people convicted of court-martial charges.
Both congresswomen support having independent investigators within the military take charge of sexual assault allegations free of commanders who can reverse a military court’s decision, which the current system allows.
“The commander should not have the power to overturn a jury's verdict,” Gabbard said.
See the full interview this Sunday on “State of the Union with Candy Crowley” at 9am ET.
CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.
Notify me of new comments via email.
From the country’s major political and policy issues to diplomacy on the global stage, State of the Union with Candy Crowley brings in the world’s top newsmakers and analysts to deliver the smartest, most comprehensive look at what matters most to you. Sundays at 9am and Noon ET. Send Feedback | Subscribe | About Candy Crowley
The Early Bird for March 4, 2012
State of the Union TV Buy full episodes on iTunes!
Podcasts Subscribe to audio podcast | Subscribe on iTunes
Click here to access transcripts from recent shows.