Bill Overview
Title: Sexual Harassment Independent Investigations and Prosecution Act
Description: This bill provides for the inclusion of sexual harassment as an offense subject to the authority of special trial counsel under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and sets forth requirements related to independent investigations of sexual harassment under the UCMJ.
Sponsors: Rep. Speier, Jackie [D-CA-14]
Target Audience
Population: Active duty and reserve military personnel globally
Estimated Size: 2300000
- The bill concerns the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) so it directly pertains to the military personnel subject to the UCMJ.
- The global military population includes active duty personnel, reserve personnel, and potentially any civilian employees under military conduct policies.
- The current global active-duty armed forces is estimated to be over 20 million across the world, including both those serving in the U.S. military and other nations using the UCMJ as a framework.
- Sexual harassment policies within military sectors globally will affect nearly all categories of military service members, often including their support networks and civilian contractors.
Reasoning
- In constructing these interviews, I considered the diverse roles and personal circumstances within the military population, from active duty to reserve members, as well as their families and associated civilians. The impact ranges significantly based on personal experiences with harassment, and current mental and physical wellbeing.
- Given the estimated U.S. military population of 2.3 million affected by the UCMJ changes, I reflected on availability and distribution in active duty and reserve needs.
- Policy financial resources are limited, and thus not everyone might experience profound changes in wellbeing immediately or directly, especially given indirect impacts through awareness and cultural shifts.
Simulated Interviews
Navy Officer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen cases of harassment being handled poorly, and this law could add more accountability.
- I hope this wouldn't just be a paperwork change but something that genuinely improves our environment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Army Sergeant (Fort Bragg, NC)
Age: 34 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The changes could protect and support my team members better.
- I worry about possible misuse of the system for false accusations but overall think it's needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Civilian Contractor (Virginia Beach, VA)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a civilian contractor, I've heard stories and this shift in policy could positively impact our work environment.
- It's about time harassment is handled more seriously in all aspect of military settings.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Air Force Veteran (Dallas, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having dealt with the military justice system, this reform is necessary but comes too late for many.
- My hope is that it leads to actual cultural change, not just procedural shifts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Navy Reserves Officer (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's comforting to know that issues might be addressed more independently moving forward.
- I hope it encourages others to seek help and improve reporting.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Army Medic (Killeen, TX)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The military approach to its internal justice system has always been complex and this seems like a step toward simplicity.
- I'm wary of the implementation phase but optimistic overall.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Space Force Engineer (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There are high hopes that this improves not only safety but mental health in our ranks.
- We need thorough implementation and training to make this effective.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Policy Analyst (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's vital but complex. Implementation will be challenging and needs careful oversight.
- There are concerns over additional bureaucracy but if streamlined, could work well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Coast Guard Officer (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From what I've experienced, we need policies like these for accountability.
- My concern is about timely execution and actual change occurring when needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Army Reserve Officer (Anchorage, AK)
Age: 26 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Happy to see proactive steps being taken for issues closely connected to our service.
- Trust in these systems requires visibility and effectiveness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $450000000 (Low: $350000000, High: $550000000)
Year 3: $400000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $500000000)
Year 5: $350000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $450000000)
Year 10: $300000000 (Low: $200000000, High: $400000000)
Year 100: $250000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $350000000)
Key Considerations
- The enforcement of independent investigations may lead to varying effects on military cohesion, initially causing disruptions or improvements based on the behavior change.
- Procedural refinement over time as these investigations become more systematic and potentially less costly.
- Cultural change and leadership support will be critical in realizing long-term cost savings and operational impacts.