How Did Your Senators Vote?

Senator Gillibrand's proposal to take the Commander out of the sexual assault prosecution proceedings did not pass a Senate vote this past Thursday.  

You can check to see how your Senators voted on the bill.

Go to www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/vote_menu_113_2.htm

Look for Vote #59 or Issue 1752

Senator McCaskill's bill will get through the Senate but the House Majority Leader says there is little chance of it getting through.  This bill would eliminate the Good Character Defense and give the victim an opportunity to provide input regarding the court venue, i.e. military or civilian, when pertinent.

Know Anyone on the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Service (DACOWITS)?

"The Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) was established in 1951 by Secretary of Defense, George C. Marshall. The Committee is composed of civilian women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces. Historically, DACOWITS' recommendations have been very instrumental in effecting changes to laws and policies pertaining to military women. The Committee shall be comprised of no more than 20 members appointed by the Secretary of Defense who have experience with the military or with women's workforce issues."  (From the DACOWITS website)

Currently DACOWITS has two standing committees, Assignments and Wellness.  The Assignments committee, chaired by LtGen Frances Wilson, USMC-Ret., focuses on accessions of women into the officer corps and full integration of women into previously-closed positions.  The Wellness committee, chaired by RADM Betsy Morris, USN-Ret., is concerned with the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault as well as reproductive health care services.

DACOWITS is scheduled to meet on March 13 and 14.  I plan to attend.  It would help me if you have a connection with any of the members of DACOWITS, listed below.  Or go to the website for pictures and bios.

Ms. Holly Hemphill, Chair

BG Maureen LeBoeuf, USA-Ret., Vice Chair

CMSgt Bernice Belcer, USAF-Ret.

COL Margarethe Cammermeyer, USA/USAR/ANG-Ret.

Ms. Nancy Duff Campbell

Ms. Teresa Christenson

BG Julia Cleckley, ARNG-Ret.

FltCM Jacqueline DiRosa, USN-Ret.

SgtMaj John Estrada, USMC-Ret.

Honorable Debra James

CAPT Beverly Kelley, USCG- Ret.

Rev. Dr. Cynthia Lindenmeyer

Ms. Donna McAleer

RADM Betsy Morris, USN-Ret.

LTC Hae-Sue Park, USA-Ret.

MGen Gale Pollock, Army Nurse Corps, Ret.

LtGen Frances Wilson, USMC-Ret.