"In recent years, Congress has taken meaningful steps to help empower service members to report instances of sexual assault and harassment, but in order to build on that progress and root out the negligence that has allowed for sexual harassment and assault to thrive in our military, survivors must be able to pursue every possible avenue for legal recourse," said Senator Shaheen. "It makes no sense that civilians can seek justice from the government when the warriors who have sacrificed everything to protect our nation cannot. Our landmark legislation would right this wrong by tearing down the barriers that prevent members of the military and veterans from engaging the justice system to demand accountability and finally begin to heal."