Lawmakers want answers on DoD’s pause on sexual assault training

House Democrats are pressing the Defense Department about the military services pausing sexual assault prevention and response training programs. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the lawmakers said the decision is “not only irresponsible but also dangerous.” The lawmakers also said the law requires providing this training to incoming service members, civilian employees, first responders and staff directly supporting victims. At least some militarybranches have paused the program as the Defense Department works to comply withPresident Donald Trump’s executive order banning all diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the government.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.