The hearing follows a series of sexual assault scandals and recent Pentagon statistics indicating a significant increase in unwanted sexual contact within the military. Top military officials, along with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee to address the issue and assure Congress of their commitment to addressing it. While some lawmakers are pushing for a change in the way sex crimes are prosecuted, others argue that maintaining the authority of commanders is essential for maintaining unit cohesion and administering justice. Despite ongoing criticisms of the military's handling of sexual assault cases, some believe that radical changes are necessary to address the problem. The Defense Department's report estimated a 37% increase in cases of unwanted sexual contact in the military in 2012, sparking further concern and outrage among lawmakers. Senator McCain expressed his frustration over the continued reports of sexual misconduct in the military, emphasizing the need for action rather than just talk. Senator Levin, however, showed understanding towards the military's perspective on the importance of the chain of command in addressing these issues. Levin stated that only the chain of command has the power to implement a zero-tolerance policy for sexual offenses and address any issues with command climate that allow sexual assaults to occur.