The military has vowed to curb sexual assault for decades to no avail. Now, Congress is stepping in.

WASHINGTON – Congress is poised to strip authority from military commanders to prosecute sex offenses, a move victims' advocates have sought for more than a decade while the Pentagon has failed to stem sexual assault in the ranks.

The measure, which passed the House Tuesday, would task independent military lawyers with prosecuting sexual assault cases. That would remove the authority that commanders, who are typically not lawyers, have in making decisions on charging and trying their own troops.

The measure is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), considered vital legislation that directs Pentagon spending and has passed annually for 60 years. The Senate is expected to pass it as early as this week and then it would head to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature. The changes would go into effect in two years, according to a Senate staffer who was not authorized to speak publicly.

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