Biden signs military justice reform for sexual assault cases

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Friday morning to implement military justice reforms aimed at strengthening how the military handles sexual assault cases.

The executive order gives decision-making powers to independent military prosecutors in serious cases, including sexual assault, instead of the victims’ commanders, the White House said in a statement. In the past, victims have often been at the mercy of their commanders to decide whether to take their assault claims seriously.

Biden’s signature formally implements legislation passed by lawmakers last year.

Members of Congress battled with military leaders for years over the issue, arguing that commanders sometimes ignored charges or incidents in their units to protect those accused of offenses. Military leaders argued that bringing in independent prosecutors could erode the chain of command.

“The historic reforms announced today will better protect victims and ensure prosecutorial decisions are fully independent from the chain of the command,” the White House statement said.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee and helped spearhead the effort, expressed her gratitude to the president for signing the order, though it'll be a while before the effects are felt.

"While it will take time to see the results of these changes, these measures will instill more trust, professionalism, and confidence in the system," she said in a statement.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.