Andy Kim: “The bipartisan bill that passed out of committee includes some incredible support for our servicemembers and their…”

“The bipartisan bill that passed out of committee includes some incredible support for our servicemembers and their families. The bill includes a 19.5 percent pay raise for junior enlisted servicemembers and a 4.5 percent pay raise for all other servicemembers and reverses a 5 percent reduction in basic allowance for housing. These provisions mean more money in servicemembers' pocketbooks and more food on the table. The bill also fully funds childcare fee assistance programs to eliminate wait lists and expand on the ongoing success of spouse employment programs by making permanent the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot, which provides employment support to military spouses through a paid fellowship with employers across various industries. It is no secret our Armed Forces are facing an unprecedented recruiting crisis, so we are asking the Department to take a second look at how medical treatments, conditions, and medications are evaluated. Finally, the bill addresses the ongoing healthcare needs of servicemembers and their families by waiving fees and copays on the TRICARE Dental Program for all members of the Selected Reserve. We bring this bill to the floor to show, in a bipartisan way, that our country is determined to support our servicemembers and their families, that we support readiness and recruitment efforts that are proven to work, and that we support servicemembers no matter who they are. Mr.…”