Kirsten Gillibrand: an important step toward opening combat roles to women.

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Dear Robert L.,

This week, the U.S. Senate came together to pass the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013. In an age when it's difficult to get things done across party lines, I'm heartened by the spirit of cooperation that went into the passage of this bill, including many amendments from both parties.
I'm extremely proud of an amendment I introduced that is included in the final legislation, which mandates that our military health insurance program cover treatments for the disabled children of our military and veteran families. This coverage will be funded for one year while we study the long-term cost of this essential care. As a result, our military and veteran families will no longer have to pay out-of-pocket to treat their children for autism and other disabilities.
I was particularly pleased that this amendment won the support of all 17 women in the Senate – both Democrats and Republicans – overcoming opposition from some Senate Republicans on the floor. With this amendment, two-thirds of the U.S. Senate sent a strong message that an important part of military readiness is ensuring the health and well-being of our military families.
I was also pleased that the Senate voted by unanimous voice vote to include my amendment that would require any service members convicted of sexual assault to be processed for discharge. The high incidence of sexual assault in our military is unacceptable and in 2011, 36% of those convicted of sexual assault were not discharged. This amendment will not only hold those who've committed sexual assault in the military accountable, but it's my hope that it will reduce the rate of attacks as well.
Other important provisions I worked hard to include are measures to fund cybersecurity R&D for the Air Force, preserve NY's National Guard WMD civil support teams, and take an important step toward opening combat roles to women. In addition, I worked to ensure that my provisions increasing the Defense Department's investment in microelectronics and rare earths, as well DOD's measures cracking down on hazing remained intact as the bill heads to conference.
Thanks so much for your ongoing support,
Kirsten

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