Jim Langevin: “Today I join my colleague, Mr. Bereuter, in offering an amendment that strengthens the athletic skill, unit cohesion and…”

“Today I join my colleague, Mr. Bereuter, in offering an amendment that strengthens the athletic skill, unit cohesion and morale of our dedicated service members. As my colleague has explained, this amendment authorizes the National Guard to use its appropriated funds to cover the costs of conducting and participating in athletic events related to military duties or physical fitness requirements. This is of particular importance to my state, as Rhode Island is home to the Leapfest event. But the entire country benefits from these National Guard competitions. Through these activities, the National Guard provides our service members with the opportunity to hone their service-related skills in competitive events and provides incentives for its recruitment and retention programs. However, currently state National Guard units can use only non-appropriated funds to cover operating expenses for the events and related personal expenses for participating unit members. These non-appropriated funds are extremely limited, leaving most National Guard members paying out of their own pockets. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to place our Nation Guard members on a level playing field with their Active Duty and Reserves counterparts. I'd like to thank Mr. Bereuter for his leadership on this issue and ask members to vote yes on the Bereuter-Langevin Amendment.”