Washington, D.C. — On Thursday, Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) introduced an amendment in the House Veterans Affairs Committee to advance the bipartisan Ruth Moore Act of 2015 to the House floor.  In addition to advancing the bill, which makes it easier for victims of military sexual trauma to receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Bost’s amendment cuts bonuses in half for the VA officials who oversaw the breakdown in veterans’ health care services at facilities across the country in recent years.

“No person who served in America’s Armed Forces should ever be a victim of sexual assault,” said Rep. Bost.  “For many victims, the emotional impact of a sexual assault can continue for a lifetime, a situation only worsened when the victim is denied the justice and support they need.  My amendment was about refocusing our priorities, ensuring victims of military sexual assault get the help they need while cutting bonuses to government bureaucrats who have proven they don’t deserve them.”

The Ruth Moore Act of 2015 was originally introduced by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME).  The bill would require the VA to submit regular updates to Congress about the current status of claims for mental health conditions relating to military sexual assault.