Defense bill includes years-long proposal to combat sexual assault in military

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.