Harmony Allen, who lives in Port St. Lucie, was raped by her instructor during her third month in the Air Force. Despite being found guilty and sentenced to jail time, her rapist was released because of a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces misinterpreting the Congressionally-mandated statute of limitations. Despite Congress intending that there is no statute of limitations for rape in the military, the court applied a 5-year statute of limitations. This is absolutely unacceptable.

Harmony’s rapist was set free because of this court ruling that directly contradicts Congress’ intent to hold military members who commit rape accountable. This is a massive miscarriage of justice for Harmony and many others that endangers victims. Congress needs to intervene to prevent the potential release of possibly hundreds of rapists from prison without repercussion.

Harmony’s Law, which is named after Harmony Allen, will help potentially prevent hundreds of rapists—who were convicted and found guilty of rape in the military—from being freed from jail on this misconstrued technicality.

Specifically, Harmony’s Law will help hold these convicted criminals accountable and make sure justice is served for victims by:

• Authorizing the House Office of General Counsel to represent the interests of Congress in any cases related to the Mangahas decision
• Expressing the intent of Congress that the passage of time should not bar the prosecution of rape or sexual assault under the Uniformed Code of Military Justice
• Eliminating statutes of limitations for sexual offenses in the military against children

Read the bill: