Military leaders, sexual-assault victims and legal experts are debating changes to the military code of justice before a Senate panel today. In efforts to stamp out sexual assaults, lawmakers are considering a bevy of measures intended to limit commanders’ power over the military justice system. Military brass warns, the reforms could go too far.

Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) have introduced legislation to strengthen protections for military whistleblowers. Which raises the question: what’s wrong with the current law? It’s especially apt considering victims of sexual assault in the military are testifying this morning on Capitol Hill. Many victims say the command culture and a fear of retaliation have kept them from coming forward and seeking help. So we’ve turned to one of our regular Legal Loop contributors for some insight. Civil rights and employment attorney Lynne Bernabei has represented a number of federal whistleblowers.

The Obama administration is proposing a comprehensive reorganization of Science and Math education programs. That would include a nearly 7 percent increase in STEM spending in fiscal 2014. But what do the teachers in the trenches think of the proposed changes?