Way to go, Al

On Tuesday, new Senator Al Franken introduced an amendment to the Defense Appropriations bill (a typically underhanded move to pass unpalatable legislation that wouldn’t fly on its own, but in this case, related and appropriate) that would punish contractors if they "restrict their employees from taking workplace sexual assault, battery and discrimination cases to court."

This long-overdue amendment was in response to the gang rape of Jamie Leigh Jones by her KBR co-workers in 2005 while she was working in Baghdad. After her horrific ordeal, Jones was, under the orders of KBR, confined by armed guards to a shipping container containing only a bed, and denied food, water, and medical treatment for at least 24 hours. In addition, she was warned that if she left Iraq for (desperately needed) medical attention, she would lose her job.

Ironically, (sadly, almost unbearably, sickeningly) Jones was prevented from bringing charges in court against KBR because her employment contract stipulated that sexual assault allegations would only be heard in private arbitration.

Of course, some Republicans weren't pleased with Franken's attempt at justice, because, you know, anti-gang rape = anti-business. Jeff Sessions (R-Dickweed) called Franken’s effort a "political attack directed at Halliburton." The amendment, to anyone who's head resides outside of their rectal cavity, applies to all organizations.

Jones expressed her appreciation to Franken after the vote. “It means the world to me,” she said. “It means that every tear shed to go public and repeat my story over and over again to make a difference for other women was worth it.”

It’s sad enough to see so many elected representatives vote against the public good on issues like health care reform to ensure their corporate gravy train keeps rolling, but opposing this legislation goes a step further by signaling an acceptance of workplace assault and denial of corporate responsibility. Luckily, 68 senators did the right thing and the bill passed. The following is a list of senators who voted against it, and therefore, are proponents of brutal sexual assault.

Alexander (R-TN)
Barrasso (R-WY)
Bond (R-MO)
Brownback (R-KS)
Bunning (R-KY)
Burr (R-NC)
Chambliss (R-GA)
Coburn (R-OK)
Cochran (R-MS)
Corker (R-TN)
Cornyn (R-TX)
Crapo (R-ID)
DeMint (R-SC)
Ensign (R-NV)
Enzi (R-WY)
Graham (R-SC)
Gregg (R-NH)
Inhofe (R-OK)
Isakson (R-GA)
Johanns (R-NE)
Kyl (R-AZ)
McCain (R-AZ)
McConnell (R-KY)
Risch (R-ID)
Roberts (R-KS)
Sessions (R-AL)
Shelby (R-AL)
Thune (R-SD)
Vitter (R-LA)
Wicker (R-MS)