Bill would expand military sexual assault legal services

Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.) has introduced a measure to expand the ability for members of the National Guard and Reserve to access special victims counsel services if they are sexually assaulted.

Members of the National Guard who are sexually assaulted while not on duty cannot access special victims counsel services, which provide legal assistance.

{mosads}Kline said his bill would prevent a discrepancy for members of the military to receive treatment and legal counsel after a sexual assault.

“Both the active and reserve components of our military serve a unique mission in the defense of our country, but we can all agree there must be no disparity in services when it comes to helping the victims of sexual assault,” Kline said.

Kline chairs the House Education and the Workforce Committee, but is also a member of the House Armed Services Committee.