Gen. Martin E. Dempsey and Sen. Claire McCaskill (Sec'y of Defense)

The central question facing lawmakers is whether military leaders will continue to manage prosecutions for sexual misconduct, or whether prosecutions should be handled by forces outside the military. A bill proposing the change was designed to address the rising rate of sexual assault in the military, as well as a recent series of scandals. "This is an issue many of us have dealth with for years, and we find it unbelievably alarming that it is happening at the level it is in the military," Sen. Kay Hagan (D-N.C.) told the Washington Post.

SEE ALSO: Naval Academy Sexual Assault Investigation

Military leaders testified that they believe prosecution should remain within their chain of command. Committee chair Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich) agreed, stating at the hearing's start that

The military services are hierarchical organizations: the tone is set from the top of that chain, the message comes from the top, and accountability rests at the top. But addressing a systemic problem like sexual assault requires action by all within the chain, and especially by the commanders of the units. Only the chain of command can establish a "zero tolerance" policy for sexual offenses...And only the chain of command can be held accountable if it fails to change an unacceptable military culture.

SEE ALSO: Hagel Calls Sexual Assault Within U.S. Military A "Scourge" In West Point Speech

Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), a former sex crimes prosecutor, argued in favor of taking prosecution out of the chain of command. McCaskill also warned that improvements in the military's tracking and handling of sexual assault might take an unexpected form: "Success is going to look like this: more reports of rape, sodomy and assault and less ‘incidents’ of rape, sodomy and assault...Everyone needs to be prepared here, that if we do a good job, that that number...that’s going to go up, if we’re doing well."

Civilian victim's advocates testified as well, including Nancy Parrish, president of Protect Our Defenders.

The committee is expected to start consideration of this proposal and others next week.

See updates on the hearing at the Washington Post.

For more Neon Tommy coverage of sexual assault in the military, go here.

Reach Deputy Editor Lauren Madow here. Follow her here.