# Plain Language Summary: Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act

This bill is named after Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas, a military officer who experienced sexual assault while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The legislation creates new protections and support systems for service members who are victims of sexual assault, harassment, or related crimes within the military.

The bill establishes several key changes to how the military handles these cases. It requires the military to provide better victim support services, including counseling and legal assistance for those who've experienced sexual misconduct. The legislation also creates clearer pathways for victims to report crimes and ensures they have access to information about their rights throughout the process. Additionally, it aims to improve how the military investigates and prosecutes these cases, with requirements for better training of personnel who handle these sensitive matters.

The practical impact is that service members who experience sexual assault or harassment will have more reliable access to help and resources, clearer information about what happens after they report a crime, and greater assurance that their cases will be taken seriously. The bill also emphasizes that victims shouldn't face retaliation for coming forward. For the military as an institution, it means implementing new procedures and training to better prevent these crimes and support those affected by them. This affects active-duty service members, reservists, and National Guard members across all branches of the military.

Dr. Kate Hendricks Thomas SERVICE Act

Boozman, John

Supporting Expanded Review for Veterans In Combat Environments Act of 2021 or the SERVICE Act of 2021 This bill expands eligibility for Veterans Health Administration mammography screenings to veterans who served in certain locations during specified periods, including those who were exposed to toxic substances at such locations. The specified locations and corresponding time periods include <ul> <li>Iraq between August 2, 1990, and February 28, 1991, and from March 19, 2003, until burn pits (areas used for burning solid waste in open air without equipment) are no longer used in Iraq;</li> <li>the Southwest Asia theater of operations, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar, from August 2, 1990, until burn pits are no longer used in such locations; </li> <li>Afghanistan, Djibouti, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen from September 11, 2001, until burn pits are no longer used in such locations; and</li> <li>other locations and time periods as determined by the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry.</li> </ul> The bill specifies that the listed locations do not include bodies of water around or airspace above such locations.