U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski | Lisa Murkowski Official FB
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski | Lisa Murkowski Official FB
U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski from Alaska has teamed up with Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, and U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree of Maine to push for legislation aimed at assisting military sexual trauma (MST) survivors. The proposed law seeks to improve access to health care and benefits for MST survivors and enhance the process for handling claims related to MST.
The proposed Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2025 aims to remove bureaucratic obstacles faced by MST survivors when applying for disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill intends to consider evidence from outside the Department of Defense to support MST claims and provide care access to all former Guard and Reserve members.
Senator Murkowski emphasized, “We owe everything to the men and women who serve our country, especially to those servicemembers who were let down in the most unimaginable way. Survivors of military sexual trauma need access to resources to help them begin to heal, and this legislation ensures access to those benefits.”
Ranking Senator Blumenthal remarked, “Survivors of military sexual trauma have endured unimaginable pain and deserve the highest quality care and services. Our bipartisan bill will afford survivors a stronger voice in filing claims and expand VA treatment.”
Congresswoman Pingree highlighted the dual injustice faced by veterans, stating, “I’ve heard from countless veterans whose profound harm is compounded by a system that repeatedly fails them. This goes far beyond administrative shortcomings at the VA; it’s a fundamental breach of our moral and constitutional duty to those who served.”
The bill stipulates that individuals leaving service academies early are informed about their eligibility for MST-related care. It also mandates the VA to process all MST claims with specially trained teams and periodically review their accuracy.
The initiative has garnered support from several Veterans Service Organizations. Military Officers Association of America’s President, Lt. Gen. Brian Kelly, expressed gratitude for the reintroduction of the legislative efforts, affirming its benefits for all veterans seeking VA support.
Service Women’s Action Network’s CEO, Elisa Cardnell, praised the act, stating it addresses MST survivors' vulnerability and aligns with the duty to provide care during and after service. Meanwhile, Paralyzed Veterans of America’s Chief Policy Officer, Heather Ansley, highlighted the improvements the legislation would bring to the claims process and access to mental health services.
Nancy Springer from Veterans of Foreign Wars acknowledged the bill's potential in providing dignified care and compensation to MST survivors. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America’s CEO, Allison Jaslow, called for urgent congressional action, noting the prolonged wait faced by veterans.
Joy Ilem of Disabled American Veterans referred to the legislation as a pathway to justice, advocating for claims to be managed with due care and sensitivity. Wounded Warrior Project’s Chief Program Officer, Jennifer Silva, acknowledged the legislation’s importance in addressing the long-term impacts of MST on veterans.
The legislation is also backed by groups like the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Protect Our Defenders, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
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