Wilson Opening Statement for the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Markup

The Military Personnel subcommittee met today to mark up its portion of H.R. 4310, the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. Chairman Joe Wilson made the following opening statement:

"The Chairman's mark in front of you is the product of an open, bi-partisan process.

"The mark provides our war fighters, veterans and their families the care and support they need, deserve, and have earned; while ensuring that proposed drawdown plans do not cut to the heart of the Army and Marine Corps. Specifically, this year's proposal will:

(1)Authorize a troop pay increase of 1.7% and extend bonuses and special pay for our men and women in uniform;

(2)Limit end strength reductions for the active Army and Marine Corps;

(3)Provide significant new regulations and procedures for combating and prosecuting sexual assault within the military;

(4)Extend access to family housing for six months and Commissary and Exchange benefits for two years for troops who are involuntarily separated;

(5)Extend some TRICARE benefits to members of the Selected Reserve who are involuntarily separated.

(6)Make clear that non-monitary contributions to health care benefits made by our troops and their families through a career of service to America represents pre-payment of health care premiums in retirement.

"In conclusion, I want to thank Mrs. Davis and her staff for their contributions and support in this process. Of course, we are joined by an active, informed, and dedicated group of subcommittee members. Their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in this mark.

"Additionally, I appreciate the dedication of the Subcommittee majority staff: John Chapla, Debra Wada, Jeanette James, Mike Higgins, Craig Greene, and Jim Weiss."