Susan Davis: “Before I briefly summarize the Personnel Subcommittee portion of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act, I…”

“Before I briefly summarize the Personnel Subcommittee portion of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act, I want to thank the bill's namesake. Chairman Skelton, as my colleagues on both sides of the aisle have said, has been a most extraordinary leader, and I am personally very grateful for his mentorship. Our country, Mr. Skelton, Ike, is better for your service, and you will be greatly missed. The bill before us improves the quality of life for our servicemembers, for their families and military survivors, and I am pleased that the chairman as well as my colleagues have spoken about how important these personnel issues are. In fact, we know our national security is embodied in our people who serve. There are many important elements to that bill. It allows a 1.4 percent pay raise to keep pace with the private sector; authorizes TRICARE beneficiaries to extend health coverage to children up to age 26 and bars increases in medical care premiums; improves access to mental health and other medical providers; and it puts in place recommendations for sexual assault prevention from the Defense Task Force on Sexual Assault in the Military Services. I urge my colleague to support the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act.”