SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
5
#000000
#FFFFFF
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY) proposed the Military Justice Improvement Act that would have reassigned sexual assault cases to independent prosecutors as opposed to commanding officers. According to The New York Times, the goal of the measure was to remove the fear of retaliation for reporting such crimes.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.), with top military officials' support, decided late last night to eliminate Gillibrand's proposal from the Defense Authorization Act. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have expressed their concern that the act would undermine officers' power. Levin proposed a substitute measure that would require senior military officers to review cases when commanders refuse to prosecute them, keeping the process within the military.
A major supporter of the Military Justice Improvement Act, along with 26 co-sponsors, was Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who commented "I am stunned that when it comes to prosecuting these crimes the Committee is largely embracing the status quo by allowing commanders to not only decide whether a case goes forward, but even to handpick the jury that will render the verdict."
The Pentagon revealed last month that sexual assault within the military is at an all time high with 26,000 anonymous reports this year, a major increase from 2011.
MSNBC reports that Gillibrand will get another chance to introduce her act when the larger defense bill comes up for a final vote later this summer.
Lucia Brown is a summer editorial intern at Common Dreams.
_____________________
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY) proposed the Military Justice Improvement Act that would have reassigned sexual assault cases to independent prosecutors as opposed to commanding officers. According to The New York Times, the goal of the measure was to remove the fear of retaliation for reporting such crimes.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.), with top military officials' support, decided late last night to eliminate Gillibrand's proposal from the Defense Authorization Act. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have expressed their concern that the act would undermine officers' power. Levin proposed a substitute measure that would require senior military officers to review cases when commanders refuse to prosecute them, keeping the process within the military.
A major supporter of the Military Justice Improvement Act, along with 26 co-sponsors, was Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who commented "I am stunned that when it comes to prosecuting these crimes the Committee is largely embracing the status quo by allowing commanders to not only decide whether a case goes forward, but even to handpick the jury that will render the verdict."
The Pentagon revealed last month that sexual assault within the military is at an all time high with 26,000 anonymous reports this year, a major increase from 2011.
MSNBC reports that Gillibrand will get another chance to introduce her act when the larger defense bill comes up for a final vote later this summer.
Lucia Brown is a summer editorial intern at Common Dreams.
_____________________
Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-NY) proposed the Military Justice Improvement Act that would have reassigned sexual assault cases to independent prosecutors as opposed to commanding officers. According to The New York Times, the goal of the measure was to remove the fear of retaliation for reporting such crimes.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.), with top military officials' support, decided late last night to eliminate Gillibrand's proposal from the Defense Authorization Act. The Joint Chiefs of Staff have expressed their concern that the act would undermine officers' power. Levin proposed a substitute measure that would require senior military officers to review cases when commanders refuse to prosecute them, keeping the process within the military.
A major supporter of the Military Justice Improvement Act, along with 26 co-sponsors, was Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), who commented "I am stunned that when it comes to prosecuting these crimes the Committee is largely embracing the status quo by allowing commanders to not only decide whether a case goes forward, but even to handpick the jury that will render the verdict."
The Pentagon revealed last month that sexual assault within the military is at an all time high with 26,000 anonymous reports this year, a major increase from 2011.
MSNBC reports that Gillibrand will get another chance to introduce her act when the larger defense bill comes up for a final vote later this summer.
Lucia Brown is a summer editorial intern at Common Dreams.
_____________________