Senate Armed Services Chair Jack Reed (D-R.I.) announced Sunday he will include Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D-N.Y.) military sexual assault reform in his committee’s markup of the defense authorization bill, The Hill reported.

Gillibrand’s plan to remove sexual assault complaints from the chain of command has growing support on the Hill, in the Pentagon and from an independent commission that looked at the issue, as On Base has reported.

“At the end of conference, I fully expect a robust change in the role of the commander in sexual assault cases will be sent to President Biden for signature,” Reed said in a statement Sunday. “While the first round of reform will focus on the issue of accountability, I hope and intend to incorporate the [independent review commission’s] recommendations on prevention, climate and culture, and victim care and support as we move through the legislative year.”

Army photo by Cpl. Rachel Diehm