Knox Times

U.S. Representative Tim Burchett, a Republican from Tennessee, has reintroduced the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner in VA Hospitals (SANE VA) Act. The bipartisan bill aims to ensure that sexual assault nurse examiners are employed at specific Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities.

The bill's original co-sponsors include Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), Don Davis (D-N.C.), Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), and Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.). The legislation seeks to address the need for specialized care for servicemembers who have been victims of sexual assault.

Rep. Tim Burchett stated, "It's an awful reality that some of our servicemembers are victims of sexual assault, and we need to make sure they get the care they need in those situations." He emphasized the duty to care for those who have protected the country and expressed hope that this time the bill would be passed.

Rep. Nancy Mace highlighted her personal experience as a survivor, noting, "Less than half of women in the military trust their chain of command to properly handle reports of sexual assault — and that's unacceptable." She stressed the importance of providing resources and trained professionals at VA hospitals.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz added that veterans deserve comprehensive healthcare which includes examinations and referrals for survivors of military sexual trauma. He urged his colleagues to support the bill to fill a critical gap in veterans' care.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna expressed her support for Burchett's legislation, stating, "Nurse examiners who focus on sexual assault victims are crucial in providing the necessary forensic examinations for these survivors." She called for ensuring this essential care within VA medical facilities.

The full text of the bill is available online.