Congresswoman Torres Fights to Increase Funding for Military Criminal Investigative Organizations in the FY25 Budget

Washington, D.C.-- Today, Congresswoman Norma J Torres (CA-35) - a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee- and Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03) - the ranking member of the Personnel Subcommittee of the Committee on House Armed Services, called on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to provide robust funding for the Military Criminal Investigative Organizations (MCIOs), which are essential for solving murders, sexual assaults, rape, and other major crimes against American servicemembers.

An investigation by the Fort Hood Investigation Review Committee (IRC) found major problems with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), which was understaffed, inexperienced, and used antiquated investigative techniques. "Many…servicemembers across posts have been the victims of sexual assault, murder, and other serious crimes," the lawmakers wrote. "Too many of these victims and their families still await justice."Twenty-one-year-old Paratrooper Enrique Roman Martinez, who was based at Fort Bragg, was murdered in May 2020 while on holiday with other servicemembers. His family discovered his murder from news reports instead of the Army. Four years later, no arrests have been made for his murder. Experiences like these show the need for improvements in military investigations - not only for the purpose of bringing about justice, but also so our servicemembers and their families can be supported."

Background: Congresswoman Torres continues to advocate for protections against servicemembers by:

• Introduced and passed the Enrique Roman Martinez Military Cold Case Justice Actafter the tragic death of her constituent, Enrique Roman Martinez in 2020 to deliver justice for military families.
• Visited the Army Cold Case Unit to provide Congressional oversight of criminal justice proceedings.
• Expanding funding for veteran mental health and suicide prevention, housing assistance, education support, and gender-specific care in the FY24 Appropriations Package.

Read the letter here.

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