Wichita Standard

During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), along with Representative Chellie Pingree (D-Maine), have put forth the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation aims to enhance access to health care and benefits for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST).

The proposed act seeks to remove bureaucratic obstacles MST survivors face when applying for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It mandates the VA to consider evidence from non-Department of Defense sources for claims linked to MST and extends this evaluation to all mental health conditions related to MST. It will also provide former Guard and Reserve members access to MST-related counseling and care through the VA.

"Survivors of military sexual trauma have endured unimaginable pain and deserve the highest quality care and services," said Senator Blumenthal, emphasizing the need for improved support. Senator Murkowski added, "Survivors of military sexual trauma need access to resources to help them begin to heal, and this legislation ensures access to those benefits."

Representative Pingree highlighted the challenges survivors face, stating, "Their stories reveal a dual injustice—first from experiencing devastating abuse, and then again when navigating a claims process ill-equipped to support survivors."

The legislation further ensures that individuals who depart service academies early are informed of their eligibility for MST-related care and the option to obtain relevant records. This builds on Blumenthal’s past efforts addressing sexual assault and harassment cases mishandled by the U.S. Coast Guard.

In response to a 2021 report by the VA Office of Inspector General, the act proposes that specialized teams manage all MST claims, conduct annual reviews for accuracy, and evaluate the Veterans Benefits Administration's training quality regarding MST claims.

The bill has garnered support from various Veterans Service Organizations. "MOAA is grateful to Senators Blumenthal and Murkowski for reintroducing the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support (SAVES) Act," said Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly of the MOAA. SWAN’s CEO Elisa Cardnell noted that the act "makes critical and overdue changes to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ disability compensation and claims process for survivors."

Heather Ansley of the Paralyzed Veterans of America remarked that "the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support (SAVES) Act would improve the claims process." Similarly, Nancy Springer from the Veterans of Foreign Wars praised the bill's potential impact on long-term care and compensation for MST survivors. Allison Jaslow from the IAVA emphasized the need for urgent congressional action.

This initiative is also endorsed by Disabled American Veterans, the Wounded Warrior Project, and several other organizations dedicated to veteran welfare.

The lawmakers and supporters call for immediate legislative action to redress the systemic challenges faced by MST survivors and ensure they receive the benefits and support they have earned.