Opening Statements

Today, Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, made the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, on the Subcommittee's hearing titled "Reserve Component Duty Status Reform."

"Thank you, Chairwoman Speier.

"I want to thank our witnesses for being here today and for your continued service to the Nation.

"Congress has worked closely with the Department of Defense over the past several years to improve personnel policy. Our service men and women who sacrifice so much deserve an understandable, predictable personnel management system. Much of the reform in this area in the past has focused on the active component, but the reserve component also needs attention. The multitude of statutory authorities and duty categories currently in law causes unnecessary confusion and inequities in pay and benefits. In fact, we have heard several examples of two reservists, mobilized for the same mission in the same location, yet receiving drastically different benefits simply because of their duty status. In addition, we have heard multiple complaints regarding a disruption in pay and benefits as service members transition from one status to another.

"That is why the FY2016 NDAA included a provision that required the Department of Defense to conduct an assessment of the potential for consolidating authorities. I appreciate the work that the Department has done so far, and I am glad that the Department has included the Reserve Components and the National Guard Bureau in the discussions as they explored these reforms. I understand that the National Guard has expressed some concerns regarding a perception that earlier drafts of the legislation may have modified the authorities of governors to control their National Guards. I encourage the Department and the National Guard to work together to resolve any remaining concerns.

"I am optimistic that the consolidation of duty statuses will not only help with service member pay and benefits parity, but will also make it easier for combatant commanders to make troop requests by simplifying determination of the appropriate duty status.

"I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today about the current challenges associated with having nearly 30 duty statuses and how consolidation will remedy these challenges. Specifically, I am interested to hear more about how the changes will ensure equitable treatment regarding pay and benefits for service members and improve predictability. I am also interested to hear how the current system impacts combatant commanders looking to mobilize Reserve units. Finally, I would like to learn more about the process the Department used to come up with the consolidated statuses, and how the Department addressed concerns and differences throughout the process, particularly related to the National Guard.

"With that, I yield back."