For over two months, we have watched and learned about the disturbing circumstances surrounding U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillén disappearance and the environment of sexual harassment she endured in her unit prior to her disappearance. We all watched as the Army did little to investigate her disappearance. The fight for Vanessa, led by Guillén & community groups, gained national attention which eventually led to the Army investigating and the discovery of her body.

Her case gave countless other service members, both current and former, to come forward and share their stories. We can’t be silent on this issue and need to speak up.

Here are the facts:

• The Department of Defense estimated that there were nearly 15,000 sexual assaults against service members in fiscal year 2016.
• 7 out of 10 service members did not report their assault showing a severe lack of confidence in the current system
• Of those who were brave enough to report their abuse, approximately 60% have experienced some form of retaliation for reporting
• More than 70% of cases considered for court martial were never even referred to court martial proceedings
• Just 9% of cases ended in conviction

Every soldier should feel safe on a military base and not fear harassment from their fellow soldiers or their chain of command. We cannot continue to allow predators to prey on the brave men and women who signed on the dotted line to protect us. Let us protect them for once.

The Department of Defense and the Army cannot continue to investigate themselves and should not be allowed to operate under secrecy to conceal its longstanding failures. Vanessa Guillén, her family, and all harmed by this system of impunity deserve justice now!

I believe Fort Hood, a military base with a deadly track record failing soldiers, the highest suicide and sexual assault rates, should be shut down. It is a clear danger to all on it and around it. The comfort and normalcy of troops' abuse and expendability cannot continue.

Because of these reasons above, I am writing you as your constituent demanding that Congress act now and close all operations at Fort Hood immediately until a full Congressional investigation is completed and those who failed Vanessa Guillén are held accountable. I also ask for you to support the #IamVanessaGuillén bill that has been introduced by the family.

Not one more!