WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, made the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, on the Subcommittee's Markup.” For information and to watch the markup click here.
Today, Rep. Mike Coffman (R-CO), Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, made the following remarks, as prepared for delivery, on the Subcommittee's Markup." For information and to watch the markup click here.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee mark-up for H.R. 5515—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.
The subcommittee mark in front of you is the product of an open and bi-partisan process.
The mark provides our war fighters, military families, and retirees the care and support they need, deserve, and have earned.
Specifically, this year's proposal would continue to rebuild and grow the armed forces, including an increase in end-strength for the military services and an extension of special pay and bonuses for service members in high demand fields. Additionally, in an effort to address the persistent pilot shortage, the mark requires the Air Force to evaluate all pilot staff requirements to maximize pilots' time in the cockpit. Similarly, the mark extends the National Guard recruiting pilot program, which is designed to use retired senior enlisted members to fill recruiter positions so that current National Guard soldiers can focus on their primary mission.
The mark would also improve the Transition Assistance Program to ensure transitioning service members receive training and resources that are specifically tailored to their post-military career plans. In addition, the mark would require a comprehensive review of both wounded warrior care and mental health care services to ensure service members receive the best possible medical treatment.
Finally, the proposal would continue to provide oversight of critical issues, including: directing the Department of Defense to improve the process for reporting crimes to the FBI database; requiring Department of Defense schools to improve their tracking of juvenile misconduct; and refining sexual assault prevention and response to better assist victims.
In conclusion, I want to thank Ranking Member Speier and her staff for their 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."
