Posted on Dec 8, 2022
Defense bill includes years-long proposal to combat sexual assault in military
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https://www.npr.org/2022/12/08/ [login to see] /defense-bill-includes-years-long-proposal-to-combat-sexual-assault-in-military
With the new bipartisan defense bill working its way through Congress, the military is one step closer to historic changes that will impact how its sexual assault cases are prosecuted.
The move comes after an effort led by New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand for nearly the last decade to force such cases and other serious crimes such as murder and domestic violence out of the chain of command and under the purview of trained prosecutors.
Sexual assault cases in the military have been plagued with concerns from victims who fear coming forward to see prosecutions led by their own commander. Overall, a very low share of such cases go to trial or see convictions.
"This is a historic milestone in our efforts to reform and professionalize the military justice system," Gillibrand told reporters on Wednesday. "And while it will take time to see the results of these changes, it is still important for us to celebrate this victory and continue our fight."
The provision is part of this year's National Defense Authorization Act or NDAA, the annual bill that has drawn bipartisan congressional approval for more than 60 years. It could pass on the House floor this week, followed by Senate action next week, which could send the bill to President Biden's desk.
With the new bipartisan defense bill working its way through Congress, the military is one step closer to historic changes that will impact how its sexual assault cases are prosecuted.
The move comes after an effort led by New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand for nearly the last decade to force such cases and other serious crimes such as murder and domestic violence out of the chain of command and under the purview of trained prosecutors.
Sexual assault cases in the military have been plagued with concerns from victims who fear coming forward to see prosecutions led by their own commander. Overall, a very low share of such cases go to trial or see convictions.
"This is a historic milestone in our efforts to reform and professionalize the military justice system," Gillibrand told reporters on Wednesday. "And while it will take time to see the results of these changes, it is still important for us to celebrate this victory and continue our fight."
The provision is part of this year's National Defense Authorization Act or NDAA, the annual bill that has drawn bipartisan congressional approval for more than 60 years. It could pass on the House floor this week, followed by Senate action next week, which could send the bill to President Biden's desk.
Defense bill includes years-long proposal to combat sexual assault in military
Posted from npr.orgPosted in these groups: 
Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault
Posted >1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel it's about time for this to be signed into law. I recently learned that my daughter (soon to retire with 23 years in Army) is a sexual trauma survivor.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."A system of justice that is worthy of their sacrifice"
For years, Gillibrand's legislation was met with opposition from the Defense Department, some Republicans and even Democrats. Last year, she saw a major breakthrough, partnering with Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, a combat veteran to pick enough bipartisan support to approve the plan in the Senate.
However, not everyone was on board. Gillibrand and Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, who chairs the Senate Armed Services panel, openly sparred over several Senate floor sessions last year.
Last year's effort did lead to some changes that allowed some military court-related decisions to move from the chain of command over to a trained prosecutor. However, some were not, including the ordering of depositions or hiring of expert witnesses, which would still involve a commander.
Now, that's under the Office of Special Trial Counsel, Gillibrand says. She said it marks a sea change that could help better protect servicemembers.
"They now have a system of justice that is worthy of their sacrifice," Gillibrand said. "We now have a system of justice that is independent, that is transparent and accountable, that will hopefully reduce or be free of bias."
..."A system of justice that is worthy of their sacrifice"
For years, Gillibrand's legislation was met with opposition from the Defense Department, some Republicans and even Democrats. Last year, she saw a major breakthrough, partnering with Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, a combat veteran to pick enough bipartisan support to approve the plan in the Senate.
However, not everyone was on board. Gillibrand and Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Jack Reed, who chairs the Senate Armed Services panel, openly sparred over several Senate floor sessions last year.
Last year's effort did lead to some changes that allowed some military court-related decisions to move from the chain of command over to a trained prosecutor. However, some were not, including the ordering of depositions or hiring of expert witnesses, which would still involve a commander.
Now, that's under the Office of Special Trial Counsel, Gillibrand says. She said it marks a sea change that could help better protect servicemembers.
"They now have a system of justice that is worthy of their sacrifice," Gillibrand said. "We now have a system of justice that is independent, that is transparent and accountable, that will hopefully reduce or be free of bias."
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