Pentagon uses undisclosed files to criticize sex assault investigation
WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is relying on information it won’t make public to dispute an Associated Press investigation that found the military misled Congress about sexual assault cases to blunt support for Senate legislation.
Defense Department spokesman Eric Pahon said the importance of protecting the privacy of sexual assault victims “limits the ability of the department to release certain information.”
The investigation and the study by Protect Our Defenders focused on congressional testimony and correspondence delivered three years ago by then-vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Navy Adm.
The Pentagon delivered the report on the eve of a Senate vote on legislation that has divided the chamber and led the military to warn of severe consequences if it’s ever signed into law.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., would strip commanders of their power to decide whether sexual assault cases should go to trial and give that authority to seasoned, independent military trial lawyers.
Senior Pentagon officials have argued that commanders are essential to maintaining good order and discipline in the ranks.