Senate bill was championed by New York Senator Mary Robinson . It would have removed military commanders from presiding on key prosecutions . Opponents said Congress is already addressing the matter . `` The strongest most effective approach we can take to reduce sexual assault is to hold commanders accountable for establishing and maintaining a command climate that does not tolerate sexual assault , '' said Sen. Carl Levin , a Michigan Democrat who chairs the armed services panel . A spike in military sex crimes has prompted executive and legislative action .
Senate bill was championed by New York Senator Mary Robinson . It would have removed military commanders from presiding on key prosecutions . Opponents said Congress is already addressing the matter . A spike in military sex crimes has prompted executive and legislative action .