The House Armed Services Committee batted down an amendment by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) to remove commanders from decision-making authority over military sexual assault within their chain of command, with 34 voting "no," and 28 voting in favor.

"This is not something we should do ad-hoc," said Rep. Michael Turner (R-Ohio).

ADVERTISEMENT

Military chiefs have strongly opposed the idea, saying commanders having that authority was necessary to discipline troops within their chain of command on sexual assault and other crimes.

"We're relieving them of that responsibility by taking it out of the chain of command," said Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.).

The proposal has been much debated in the House and Senate in recent months as Congress attempts to combat sexual assault, with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten GillibrandSunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Suburban moms are going to decide the 2020 election Jon Stewart urges Congress to help veterans exposed to burn pits MORE (D-N.Y.) pushing a similar idea in the Senate.

It received strong support from Rep. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a former U.S. Army helicopter pilot who was wounded in Iraq, as well as Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Tulsi GabbardRepublicans call on DOJ to investigate Netflix over 'Cuties' film Hispanic Caucus campaign arm endorses slate of non-Hispanic candidates Gabbard says she 'was not invited to participate in any way' in Democratic convention MORE (D-Hawaii.), a current member of the Army National Guard, and Rep. William Enyart (D-Ill.).

"I have gradually, painfully come to the conclusion that military sexual assaults should be taken of the chain of command," said Duckworth.

"This is not the silver bullet, but it will help," said Gabbard.

Rep. Niki Tsongas (D-Mass.) said she supported the amendment, but raised concerns.

"We have to get this right. This is a multifaceted challenge," she said. "Simply changing a commander's authority will not get rid of the scourge of sexual assault."

Although there was strong opposition from Republicans, several Democrats opposed it also, including committee ranking member Adam Smith David (Adam) Adam SmithWhen 'Buy American' and common sense collide Overnight Defense: Marine Corps brushes off criticism of Marines' appearance in GOP convention video | US troops injured in collision with Russian vehicle in Syria | Dems ask for probe of Vindman retaliation allegations Democrats press Pentagon watchdog to probe allegations of retaliation against Vindman brothers MORE (D-Wash.) who said it would do more harm than good.

"It just doesn't improve the overall situation enough to justify a radical change," Smith said. "We are going to have to work tirelessly to keep the pressure on the military."