Department of Defense Commission on Sexual Assault proposes new bill to 'ensure independent investigations' of crimes

The Department of Defense’s Commission on Sexual Assault has introduced new measures aimed at increasing transparency in investigations of sexual crimes committed by military personnel, headed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

This is a development on the formerly used approach, which allowed investigations to be carried out by commanders and therefore put the power of determining which cases would go to court in the commanders’ hands.

"Encouraging news from DoD's Commission on Sexual Assault: Proposals to ensure independent investigations and prosecutions like in #iamvanessaguillen Act. Looking forward to reintroducing the bill soon alongside @RepSpeier," U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) wrote on Twitter. 

Garcia is collaborating with the Guillen family who mourned the death of their daughter after she was murdered in a sexually charged attack while stationed at Fort Hood. 

"I've always been very concerned about the communications between the family members and the Department of the Army," Garcia told ABC13. “I think the bill will move and it will be a lasting legacy of Vanessa Guillen.”

Whether or not the measures is accepted will depend on the Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military, which was formed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"Sexual assault and harassment remain persistent and corrosive problems across the total force," Austin stated in a press conference. "I expect every member of our total force to be part of the solution and leaders — both civilian and military — across the Department to take direct accountability to drive meaningful change."

The proposal would be a reversal of the way in which investigations and prosecutions have historically been conducted by the military. 

The Pentagon has, in the past, not been fond of removing sexual assault cases outside of the traditional chain of command. The formation of the commission in charge of the proposal was an order of President Biden. 

H.R. 8270 was introduced last year after the murder of Vanessa Guillen, who was stationed at Fort Hood and killed by a male service member.