Senate set to vote on military sexual assault bill

[Tx4obama]

Senate set to vote on military sexual assault bill

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate is heading for a showdown over contentious legislation to curb sexual assaults in the military by taking away the authority of senior commanders to prosecute rapes and other serious offenses.

A highly anticipated vote on the bill sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., could come as early as Thursday. The Pentagon's top brass is firmly opposed to the measure, arguing that officers should have more responsibility, not less, for the conduct of the troops they lead.

Gillibrand's bill has won the support of 54 of her colleagues, illustrating the deep frustration among Republicans and Democrats over the military's failure to stem the epidemic of sexual assaults in the ranks. Gillibrand, however, will likely need 60 votes to clear a filibuster.

Glen Caplin, Gillibrand's spokesman, said Wednesday the senator is "optimistic there will be enough senators to break the filibuster and provide our brave men and women the fair shot at justice they deserve."

-snip-

Full article here: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_MILITARY_SEXUAL_ASSAULTS?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-03-05-18-50-36

[marlakay]

1. Making me think of House of Cards episode

About Robin's character trying really hard to pass this and going through all kinds of BS from both congress and military on it.