Tom Harkin: “Again, this one paragraph really bothers me. Again, I don't understand how the Department of Defense can say that: [It…”

“Again, this one paragraph really bothers me. Again, I don't understand how the Department of Defense can say that: [It does not] support pay raises that provide greater percentage increases in basic pay and/or allowances to junior members. I can see in terms of basic pay, but not allowances in terms of food stamps, for example. Then they say it will adversely impact retention, morale and productivity. I wish someone would explain that one to me. ... Yet, we find that some military members have pay and allowances that place them at the poverty level or eligible to receive food stamps and other forms of federal assistance. These findings are troublesome to many and raise the question as to the adequacy of military pay.”