The NPR Politics Podcast Military Sexual Assault Prosecution Reform Likely To Pass Congress
Dec 13, 2022
This discussion dives into a landmark reform aimed at shifting the prosecution of military sexual assault cases from commanders to specialized trial counsel, promising greater accountability. Alongside this, the National Defense Authorization Act highlights bipartisan support for a substantial defense budget, including benefits for military families and wildland firefighters. The repeal of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate raises concerns about discharged service members, while crucial legislative priorities like immigration reform and the Electoral Count Act are put on the table.
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NDAA Scope
- The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) covers a vast range of Defense Department operations.
- It addresses everything from childcare on bases to weapons systems procurement.
Military Sexual Assault Reform
- Senator Kirsten Gillibrand achieved a major reform in military law.
- This reform removes commanders from prosecuting sexual assault cases, assigning them to special trial counsel.
Underreporting of Assault
- Senator Gillibrand's office estimates that less than 25% of military sexual assaults are reported.
- Commanders, sometimes the perpetrators themselves, previously controlled assault cases, deterring reporting.