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Senators argue against plan on military assault

By Donna Cassata
Published November 18, 2013 7:12pm ET
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Senators argue against plan on military assault
FILE - This July 16, 2013 file photo shows Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. listening at a news conference about a bill regarding military sexual assault cases on Capitol Hill in Washington. This week, the Senate is slated to consider an annual defense policy bill that would strip commanders of their ability to overturn jury convictions, require dishonorable discharge or dismissal for any individual convicted of sexual assault and establish a civilian review when a decision is made not to prosecute a case. The bill also would provide a special counsel for victims and eliminate the statute of limitations. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File) | Charles Dharapak

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate opponents of stripping military commanders of the authority to prosecute serious crimes such as rape and sexual assault said Monday that the proposal could make it worse for victims.

In a letter to Senate colleagues, 11 members of the Senate Armed Services Committee wrote that sexual assault in the military is an abomination and must be dealt with forcefully, but they rejected the solution offered by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.

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