washington bipartisan group u.s. senators renew effort tuesday shift military handle sexual assault case top commanders independent prosecutors insist current system leave victims fearful retaliation report crimes senator kirsten gillibrand democrat fight overhaul system three years introduce legislation amendment national defense authorization act ndaa must-pass annual bill set policy pentagon measure fail pass senate march 2014 though gillibrand sit arm service committee say vote cast amid false mislead information pentagon use bolster argument know far extent military sexual assault problem year ago clear nothing change gillibrand say news conference alongside democratic republican senators current system require military commanders handle sexual assault case within rank supporters bill say system flaw commanders unwilling prosecute case victims fear retaliation often afraid report top military leaders pentagon contend prosecutions must remain commanders maintain good order discipline nobody force go boss report rape republican senator rand paul say bill fail 55-45 2014. gillibrand say attempt contact every senator previously vote bill hopeful measure time gain 60 vote need advance senate think many senators speak concern deeply concern say military continue say get ... show data show survivors testimony say bill get support republican senator john mccain chairman arm service committee though speak several time issue samantha jackson say rap husband army say military tell u.s. attorney office would investigate drop case without pursue charge jackson call treatment profound betrayal add understand army could fail hold rapist accountable senators renew push overhaul military handle sex assault