H.R. 36 Summary

• Encourages members of the United States Congress to reform military reporting, investigatory, and prosecutorial systems governing child sexual abuse, citing concerns about lack of transparency in the military justice system.

• Cites data showing over 1,400 children of Army families exposed to sexual abuse over the past decade, approximately 30,000 children suffering abuse or neglect in Army homes, and almost one-third of military prison inmates charged with sex crimes involving children.

• References Department of Defense Inspector General findings of serious deficiencies in child sexual abuse investigations, including uncollected evidence, unexamined crime scenes, and inadequate witness interviews, with almost half of 163 investigated cases resulting in no punishment.

• Calls on the Pentagon to apply transparency standards equivalent to civilian courts, including providing court documents electronically to the public rather than limiting access through Freedom of Information Act requests.

• Directs transmission of the resolution to the Speaker and leadership of both houses of Congress, Hawaii's congressional delegation, and the Governor.