Press Release

Fallin Co-Hosts Hearing on Sexual Assault in the Military

Washington, DC -- Congresswoman Mary Fallin (OK-05) joined several members of the Women in the Military Task Force today in hosting a hearing on sexual assault in the armed forces. Fallin, who is a taskforce co-chair, spoke at the hearing for a need to build a better support system for victims of sexual assault.

The hearing came one day after Fallin and other members met with the mother of Lance Corporal Maria Lauterback, a pregnant Marine who was murdered after reporting she was raped.

 Fallin released the following statement:         

“As a Congresswoman and a Co-Chair of the Women in the Military Task Force, I am committed to supporting our troops. That means providing them with the equipment, medical care and veteran’s services they need. It also means ensuring the military provides an environment where women and men are safe from rape and sexual assault. Limiting the instances of sexual violence in the military is necessary to protect both the safety of our troops and the moral integrity of our armed forces. 

“Yesterday, I met with the mother of a pregnant Marine who was murdered after accusing a fellow Marine of rape. That meeting served as an unwelcome reminder that we have not always provided our troops with an environment worthy of their heroism and sacrifice.

 “It is my hope that today’s hearing will help us in Congress to decrease the instances of sexual violence in the military. The suggestions we heard today – employing more female counselors, educating officers about sexual assault and working to provide a better support system – all represent positive steps towards that goal. I look forward to working with the military and other members of this task force to implement these goals and ensure that both victims and the accused are treated in full accordance with their rights under the law.”

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