{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1091", "Tsongas Reacts to Obama's Statement Ordering Review of Military's Response to Sexual Assault", "2013-12-20", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "MA", "Niki Tsongas", "T000465", "tsongas.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "Congresswoman Niki Tsongas released the following statement reacting to President Barack Obama\u2019s announcement that he is giving military leaders one year to report on their progress in responding to the crime of military sexual assault.\u00a0 The President has asked Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to report back to him by Dec. 1, 2014.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\tYesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes funding and sets policy for the Department of Defense. The House of Representatives approved the legislation last week, which will now head to the President\u2019s desk for his signature.\r\n\r\n\tThe bill contains numerous provisions coauthored by Massachusetts Third District Congresswoman Niki Tsongas, including historic changes to combat sexual assault in the military. These changes are the result of bipartisan, bicameral efforts by Congresswoman Tsongas (D-MA), Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH), Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO), and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME).\r\n\r\n\tTsongas is the only Massachusetts member of the House Armed Services Committee, serving as the top Democrat on the Subcommittee for Oversight and Investigations. She is also the co-chair of the Military Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus, along with Rep. Turner.\r\n\r\n\tStatement released by Congresswoman Niki Tsongas:\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI appreciate President Obama's leadership to address this deeply disturbing crisis and eradicate this crime from the ranks of our armed services.\u00a0 I also agree with the President that if substantial progress is not made, we must consider whatever it takes to protect those serving on our behalf.\u00a0 It will take continued cooperation and a forceful and comprehensive effort on the part of Congress, the White House and every branch of the military \u2013 from the top, down \u2013 to eliminate these horrific crimes.\u00a0\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThe provisions included in the FY14 NDAA that was approved by the United States Senate last night offer considerable momentum toward changing the deep-rooted and flawed culture that has allowed sexual assault crimes to pervade our armed forces for far too long.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis legislation takes significant steps towards combating military sexual assault, making historic changes to commander authority by removing the ability to overturn a jury verdict. It mandates a dishonorable discharge for those convicted of sexual assault; ensures that every victim of military sexual assault gets an attorney; and it extends vital support services to members of the Coast Guard.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cThis NDAA is necessary to support survivors and ensure the Pentagon continues important sexual assault prevention measures, such as the successful Special Victims Counsel program.\r\n\r\n\t\u201cI believe these significant changes are important, but our work is not done. This is a multifaceted challenge and we will continue to pursue meaningful and substantial reform aimed at eliminating sexual assault in the military.\u00a0 It is incumbent upon Congress and the White House to get this right, for the safety of our men and women in uniform and for the sake of national security.\u00a0 I look forward to having the White House as a continued partner.\u201d", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://tsongas.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=49&itemid=1091"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.972215086221695, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}