Denny Rehberg: “today I introduce the Armed Services Appreciation Pay Raise Act, the ASAP Act, to increase the salaries of our dedicated…”

“today I introduce the Armed Services Appreciation Pay Raise Act, the ASAP Act, to increase the salaries of our dedicated service personnel by 3.5 percent this year. When combined with next year's scheduled pay increase, this act will put an additional $150 per month in their pockets. The issue should transcend politics. As long as there are military personnel collecting food stamps, as long as there are Americans who choose not to serve because they cannot afford to, we obviously have a problem that needs to be solved. More and more is being asked of the men and women in our Armed Forces, especially our active Reservists and National Guard members who have shouldered an increasing burden through our military draw-down. But we have not appropriately rewarded them for their increasingly important role in our national defense. Madam Speaker, I promised the people of Montana that recognizing the contribution of our young men and women in uniform would be the first legislation I introduced as a United States Congressman. Today, I am proud to honor that commitment by introducing the ASAP Act.”