House panel to address sexual assaults in military

This undated image provided by Stacey Thompson shows Thompson. Thompson says she was sexually assaulted in 1999. Thompson lived quietly with her trauma for 14 years until now. Emboldened by the mounting pressure on the Pentagon to address the problem, she started appealing her case about six months ago. She went public with her story for the first time, speaking with the media. AP

WASHINGTON— Lawmakers outraged by sexual assaults in the military are moving swiftly to address the problem, tackling legislation that would strip commanders of their authority to overturn convictions in rape and assault cases.

The House Armed Services Committee plans to consider a sweeping, $638 billion defense policy bill for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. Debate over numerous provisions on sexual assault, the war in Afghanistan, missile defense and the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is expected throughout the day Wednesday. A final panel vote is likely late into the evening.

The House committee’s action comes after senators grilled senior military leaders about steps being taken to combat sexual assault as high-profile cases and the growing number of incidents have shone a harsh spotlight on the services.