Sen. Mazie Hirono and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard praised today’s surprise announcement by Republican senators Rand Paul, of Kentucky, and Ted Cruz, of Texas, supporting a bill aimed at curbing sexual assaults in the military.

The bill, pushed by New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, would take the decision about investigating sexual abuse reports out of the military chain of command. 

Speaking at a press conference, where she was flanked by the two conservatives, Hirono quipped, “You definitely see the political spectrum of support standing right here.”

Gabbard, a National Guard veteran, said in a statement, “By taking the decision to prosecute a sexual assault crime out of the chain of command, and into the hands of trained professionals, our proposal aims to eliminate any potential bias or fear of retaliation, while maintaining a commander’s authority and ability to lead troops effectively.” Gabbard was a sponsor of the House version of the bill.

— Kery Murakami