With President Elect Donald Trump being elected as the 47th President of the United States, this will lead to many more positive developments in passing "The DeRito Act" here in the NDAA for 2025.
"What is the DeRito Act?"
The DeRito Act is a proposed reform to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) aimed at making it illegal for military personnel to falsify mental health records of service members who report sexual assault, harassment, or misconduct. The initiative is named after Adam DeRito, a former Air Force Academy cadet who proved that his medical records were falsified by his chain of command at the United States Air Force Academy in retaliation for reporting multiple cases of sexual assault. This act seeks to ensure accountability and protection for service members facing such retaliation.
"How can the DeRito Act be passed"
The passage of the DeRito Act in Congress depends on several factors, including bipartisan support, advocacy efforts, and prioritization within legislative agendas. Given its focus on accountability and protecting service members from retaliation, it has the potential to gain traction, particularly amidst growing awareness of issues related to military justice reform. However, its success will likely require strong backing from lawmakers, veteran advocacy groups, and public pressure to overcome possible resistance from institutional stakeholders or competing legislative priorities.
"What can I do to help?"
To help pass the DeRito Act, individuals can:
Contact Representatives: Reach out to local Congress members, expressing support for the act and urging them to co-sponsor or vote for it.
Advocate Publicly: Use social media, blogs, or public forums to raise awareness about the act and its significance in protecting service members.
Join Advocacy Groups: Collaborate with organizations focused on military justice reform or veterans’ rights to strengthen lobbying efforts.
Petition for Support: Create or sign petitions to demonstrate widespread public backing.
Engage the Media: Write op-eds or request coverage to spotlight the issue.
I will be in Washington DC to attend the Presidential Inauguration, as well as attend several balls and events meeting with important and amazing people who are determined to reform our military after the withdrawal of Afghanistan, the COVID-19 mandate in the military, and of course retaliation in the ranks by holding failed leaders accountable.
Amid the pomp and ceremony of the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, a group of passionate advocates that I have worked with for several years now will be launching our campaign to bring "The DeRito Act" into the national spotlight. The proposed legislation seeks to criminalize the falsification of military mental health records, ensuring accountability and protecting service members who report misconduct or assault.
We will gather near the Capitol and attend multiple events with the mission of "This isn't just a military issue; it's a matter of justice!". My team and I plan to meet with congressional representatives that week to lobby for co-sponsors and discuss the bill's critical role in protecting service members. The inauguration symbolizes new beginnings, and we want this administration to prioritize military justice reform as promised during the campaign. As excitement for the new presidency continues, the campaign's momentum signals a determined push for change in 2025.
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