Political Quotes

“the bill before us is a bipartisan compromise that continues our work to improve the quality of life of our servicemembers and their families. I thank the chair and ranking member for working so diligently to bring this forward. At the heart of our national security are the people whose courage, skill, and integrity make every mission possible. This legislation recognizes their value with a 3.8 percent pay raise, an increase in the family separation allowance, and other provisions that will help ease the financial pressures of military families. It also extends the Child Care in Your Home pilot through 2029 and requires annual reviews of childcare fee assistance. We also include protections I championed for our Department of Defense civilian workforce, barring arbitrary layoffs for DODEA teachers and childcare staff, and shielding public shipyard employees from reductions in force or hiring freezes. I am very grateful that this bill moves forward a reform that I have worked on for years. It authorizes automatic Selective Service System registration for eligible men, making the system more fair and efficient. I am especially proud that this legislation codifies the Women's Initiatives Teams across all services. Women serve and lead in every domain of our military. We cannot let Secretary Hegseth sideline them.”