Senators call on Obama to investigate sexual assault cases

WASHINGTON (AP) - Two senators are urging President Barack Barack Obama to investigate whether the Pentagon misled Congress with information about sexual assault cases in an effort to undermine support for a Senate bill.

In a letter sent Tuesday to Obama, Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Republican Charles Grassley of Iowa cite an Associated Press investigation and a report by the advocacy group Protect Our Defenders that found inaccuracies and omissions in military records summarizing the outcomes of dozens of cases.

The records buttressed the Pentagon's position against the bill sponsored by Gillibrand. It would strip commanders of their authority to decide whether to prosecute sexual assault cases.

Military representatives defended the accuracy of the information sent to Congress.

Grassley chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee and he supports Gillibrand's legislation.