Susan Davis: “I join my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee in support of H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization…”

“I join my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee in support of H.R. 1540, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012. As the ranking member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I want to recognize Chairman McKeon and Ranking Member Smith for their leadership, as well as subcommittee Chairman Wilson for his bipartisan work to enhance the quality of life for our servicemembers, retirees, survivors and their families. As Americans, it is our responsibility and our privilege to support our men and women in uniform and their families given the enormous sacrifices they make to ensure the security of our Nation. These men and women have volunteered to give their lives to protect and defend what we hold dear, liberty and freedom. Nothing can substitute for their commitment and sacrifice. I am proud to support a 1.6 percent pay raise in our bill. Our servicemembers have earned this pay raise and deserve no less. I am also pleased that this bill includes authority for the Secretary of Defense to establish apprenticeship programs to help servicemembers transition out of the military. Far too many of our brave men and women are returning home and finding it a challenge to become or remain employed. The number of homeless veterans in our younger generations continues to grow, and apprenticeship programs could provide these individuals the skills they need to succeed.…”