Congresswoman Torres Amendment to Restore Rape Kits for Civilian Employees Overseas Passes Defense Committee Markup
Washington, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Norma Torres announced that her crucial amendment ensuring access to rape kits for civilian Department of Defense (DOD) employees stationed overseas has passed the Fiscal Year 26 Defense Appropriations Committee markup. This bipartisan, commonsense amendment restores medical support rescinded by a controversial March 2025 DOD policy change that stopped providing rape kits to many civilian personnel serving alongside U.S. military forces abroad.
“Today, we take an important step to guarantee that every American serving overseas, whether in uniform or as a civilian, receives the care and support they deserve,” said Congresswoman Torres. “Our civilian employees—intelligence officers, law enforcement, nurses, teachers, cooks, and more—often serve in dangerous environments alongside our troops. There is no justification for turning our backs on them when they become victims of violent crime.”
In March 2025, the Department of Defense reversed its policy, discontinuing rape kit services for many civilian employees in conflict zones such as Iraq and Syria. This decision has been met with strong opposition from veterans’ groups and service members who fear the impact on their colleagues and loved ones.
“This amendment is about a fundamental promise: when Americans serve their country in dangerous places, their country has their back when they need us most,” Congresswoman Torres continued. “What do we tell the young intelligence analyst in Baghdad if she is assaulted and denied the medical care she needs? We can and must do better.”
The amendment’s passage sends a clear message that America will not abandon those who serve, regardless of their role. It restores critical medical care for civilian personnel, reflecting the nation’s commitment to their safety and dignity.
Congresswoman Torres urges her colleagues in the House to support the amendment in the full Defense Appropriations bill and reaffirm America’s unwavering support for all who serve overseas.
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