{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://web.archive.org/web/20140301153307/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-obama-signs-frankel-provision-on-military-sexual-assault-into", "President Obama Signs Frankel Provision on Military Sexual Assault into Law", "2013-12-26", "2013", "2013-12", "Democrat", "House", "FL", "Lois Frankel", "F000462", "web.archive.org", null, null, "legacy", "President Barack Obama today signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes Congresswoman Lois Frankel\u2019s provision that directs the military to examine the need for a new definition of rape and sexual assault in cases when someone abuses their position in the Military Chain of Command.\nFrankel\u2019s provision was inspired by constituent Elisha Morrow, a former Coast Guard recruit and victim of sexual harassment in the military, who brought her harrowing story to Frankel and they worked together to try to strengthen the flawed military justice system. The measure in the national defense bill seeks to address a flaw in current military law, which requires proof of physical harm or threat of life in order to prosecute a commanding officer 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. Senator Bill Nelson introduced a companion measure to Frankel\u2019s. The National Defense Authorization Act passed the House earlier this month and the Senate last Thursday night.\n\u201cOur sons and daughters who put on the military uniform deserve a new day for justice,\u201d said Frankel, who is the mother of a Marine war veteran. \u201cNo military recruit or service member should endure what Elisha and countless other men and women have. This national defense bill is a significant step forward, however we cannot rest until the men and women who protect us know that we will protect them.\u201d\n\u201cI cannot put into words how much it means to see this bill signed into law,\u201d said Elisha Morrow, a Boynton Beach resident. \u201cThough the opportunity for justice in our case has passed, it is truly healing to know future military members will now be able to receive the justice due to them.\u201d\nAdditional resources on Frankel\u2019s provision:\nSun-Sentinel Boot-camp hell leading to new law\nWFLX-Elisha Morrow\u2019s Quest for Justice for Military Sexual Assault Victims with Rep. Frankel\nFrankel\u2019s Floor Speech on the Provision Inspired by Elisha Morrow\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n\u00a0\n###", 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://web.archive.org/web/20140301153307/http://frankel.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-obama-signs-frankel-provision-on-military-sexual-assault-into"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 2.2418489679694176, "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"}