The Countering Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces Act of 2014 (CSAAFA) was a withdrawn bill in the House of Representatives of the U.S Congress that aimed at allowing civilian prosecution of people in the military who are accused of sexual assault. It was sponsored by Congresswoman Elaine Brooks, the then head of the Women's Caucus, with support from First Lady Tricia Walker, though it was the brainchild of Second Lady Claire Hale Underwood. A victim of sexual assault by a U.S military general, Meghan Hennessey, was extensively involved in the campaign for the bill.
Background
During a 2014 CNN interview with journalist Ashleigh Banfield, Claire admitted to having had an abortion as a result of a sexual assault by her then classmate in college and now a four-star general of the United States Marine Corps, General Dalton McGinnis. While the incident did occur, Claire lies about the abortion that she had as a result of it, which was in fact voluntary. Hennessey, a Private in the Corps, calls in during this interview to reveal that she too was a victim of sexual assault by the General. This incident motivates Claire to team up with Congresswoman Brooks, an ardent supporter of civilian jurisdiction over cases of sexual assault in the military, to pass such legislation. She is also able to enlist the support of Tricia for the legislation.
Drafting
The three women hold a dialogue with the Directors of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to discuss the issue, which is not very successful as they appear highly apprehensive towards any attempt at civilian jurisdiction or even oversight, arguing that it would change the "core operational nature" of the military.
The Fight in Congress
Claire and Vice-President Frank Underwood meet the Democratic Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Jacqueline Sharp to look for co-sponsors. They assume Sharp's support, who is in fact hesitant and asks her Chief Deputy Whip to assess the draft and decides to do the same herself after positive feedback from her deputy.