Congressional legislators are urging the White House to give priority to addressing the “alarming erosion” of troops’ benefits and housing in the upcoming fiscal 2025 budget request by the president.
In a joint statement, prominent members of Congress emphasized the need for the budget proposal to encompass enhancements in military housing, junior enlisted pay, military healthcare options, base childcare availability, and support for military spouse employment programs.
The lawmakers expressed their intent to tackle these pressing issues in the forthcoming budget deliberations, underscoring the necessity for robust backing from the White House to implement effective solutions.
Highlighting their ongoing quality of life assessment, the legislators underscored the concerning deterioration in military quality of life standards. They warned that failure to promptly address these challenges could jeopardize the sustainability of the all-volunteer force, emphasizing the imperative for a national commitment to enhance the well-being of service members and their families.
The initiative was endorsed by committee chairman Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., ranking member Adam Smith, D-Wash., chairman Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., and panel ranking member Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., who have been vocal about the need for congressional action on military quality of life matters.
While President Biden is anticipated to unveil the budget on March 11, uncertainties loom over the finalization of the current fiscal year’s budget, which commenced on Oct. 1, 2024.
With the deadline for the latest short-term funding extension approaching in early March, potential government shutdown looms if a new agreement is not reached. Biden is slated to address both chambers of Congress in his annual State of the Union speech on March 7, with expectations regarding the inclusion of military family and service member benefit issues remaining unclear.
Rep. Bacon emphasized the legislative focus on addressing critical military quality of life concerns this year, acknowledging that comprehensive solutions may unfold over multiple years. These efforts encompass junior enlisted pay raises and the resolution of housing inadequacies that expose service members and their families to substandard living conditions.
The legislators stressed the moral and national security imperative to adequately support those in uniform, citing disparities in pay scales between junior enlisted personnel and officers that contribute to financial insecurities impacting recruitment and retention.
Despite the scheduled 4.5% pay raise for all service members next January, concerns persist over the substantial wage gaps and inflationary pressures that have not been fully mitigated by recent pay adjustments.
Leo, an esteemed journalist covering Congress, Veterans Affairs, and the White House for Military Times, brings a wealth of experience in reporting on military policies and veteran affairs in Washington, D.C. Leo’s distinguished career has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Polk award in 2009, the National Headliner Award in 2010, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism award, and the VFW News Media award.