"I share these concerns and would add that while--why I support taking steps, whatever necessary, to widen the pool of applicants we can draw from for our All-Volunteer Force."
"It's important not to lose sight of the importance quality of life has in reaching end-strength goals."
"we need to address the lack of accessible mental healthcare across the force."
"I believe it may be time we consider reevaluating whether there are additional ways that we could help deliver important support to our service members and their families."
"Ensuring access to quality healthcare, safe housing, affordable child care, and the right pay and benefits package is critical to sustaining the health of the Force."
"We ask them to risk their lives, be able to protect our country. And the promise that we make back to them is that we will have their backs."
"This is something that we need to work together on to be able to address and ensure that our service members don't just get adequate care, but they get the best care that our country can provide."
"We can and should review how the pandemic affected the Department of Defense."
"Yes, there are deep divisions in our politics in Congress. But if ever there was a place where we can come together, it would be in this committee charged with supporting those that protect us."
"If we do not require these things to be done and said and provide the oversight, we are derelict in our duty."
"Mr. ANDY KIM. Aye."