Vanessa Guillen’s sister praises passage of historic military sexual assault bill

A historic military reform bill, named in honor of a slain Fort Hood soldier, now heads to President Biden’s desk after clearing the Senate on Wednesday.

The #IAmVanessaGuillen Act, named after Fort Hood Army soldier Spf. Vanessa Guillen, was included in the National Defense Authorization Act. Once signed, it will transform how the military handles and prosecutes allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. These cases will now be turned over to independent military prosecutors and taken out of the chain of command — which critics say has led to bias and a fear of retaliation.

“This is a great accomplishment that we’ve fulfilled,” Vanessa’s sister Mayra said. “Finally, after almost a year-and-a-half of fighting for what’s right.”

On Twitter, Mayra wrote: “The loss of my sister created the biggest military law change in history.” She says it’s an “honor.”