Sen. Gillibrand’s military sexual assault amendment to be heard

WASHINGTON — The showdown over Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s attempt to fundamentally transform the military justice system for sexual assault victims will begin as the Senate takes up the Department of Defense reauthorization bill, expected to happen this week and as soon as Wednesday.

Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) said she will offer an amendment to the bill when it is on the Senate floor to strip the decision-making authority to prosecute sexual assault and other crimes from commanders, as it is done now, and turn it over instead to military attorneys.

Read more here. http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/sen-gillibrand-s-military-sexual-assault-amendment-to-be-heard-1.6426208