On the recordDecember 11, 2014
I wish to clarify a few things that are very misleading about this debate. First of all, we are not making commanders less responsible. They are the only ones who can prevent retaliation from happening, whether it is by them or lower ranks, and they are failing in that right now. The only difference this bill makes is that 3 percent of commanders--the highest ranking commanders, generals--will no longer make this decision, but instead trained military prosecutors should make that decision. Ninety-seven percent of commanders' jobs do not change. They have to train their forces, bring them into battle, instill order and discipline, and make sure these victims are not retaliated against, and that is where they are failing. We are making commanders more responsible, not less responsible. What I want is not the most victim-friendly place in the world. I want no victims, and that is where we are failing. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Michigan.
