Mike Rogers - Chairman of the Armed Services Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Mike Rogers - Chairman of the Armed Services Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Representative Jim Banks (R-IN), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, delivered an opening statement at the full committee markup for H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement Act and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) on May 22, 2024.
Rep. Banks emphasized that the Military Personnel mark was developed in a bipartisan manner, focusing on taking care of service members and their families to ensure a ready and able fighting force. "We have been informed by our rigorous oversight in developing the provisions included in the mark," he stated.
To address recruiting difficulties and talent management in the military, Banks highlighted efforts to professionalize the Army’s recruiting force by establishing new occupation specialties. He also underscored attention to the education of service members' children, ensuring Department of Defense schools maintain competitive student-to-teacher ratios.
Banks reinforced oversight of the Military Health System and support for research into advanced medical technology for servicemembers and their families. He expressed satisfaction with provisions recommended by the Quality of Life Panel aimed at improving servicemembers' lives.
"I am proud to say this mark continues the development of focused policy to recruit, retain, and care for service members and their families," Banks remarked. He concluded by acknowledging the tireless efforts of committee staff who worked in a bipartisan manner to develop the subcommittee mark.
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