[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 84 (Friday, June 21, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1131-E1132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MILITARY PAY GAP

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SUSAN DAVIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 21, 2002

  Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and 
respect for our men and women in uniform that I introduce legislation 
to ensure elimination of the pay gap that exists for our military 
personnel.
  Since 1982, when military pay was last considered to have achieved 
``reasonable comparability'' with the private sector, military raises 
have lagged behind those enjoyed by the average American. Legislation 
passed for FY2000 included a large pay raise and mandated pay raises of 
``inflation plus one half of one percent'' through 2006.

[[Page E1132]]

  Despite a series of generous raises, the pay gap will not be 
eliminated by 2006. My legislation would do two things. Extend the 
mandate from 2006 to 2013, when the gap would be eliminated, and then 
ensure that raises keep pace with inflation.
  As our military personnel consider the very personal decision to stay 
in the military or move to the private sector they do factor in future 
pay raises. From my own personal experience visiting with our service 
men and women I know that they don't choose to serve for financial 
gain. They serve because they believe in America and the freedoms that 
we all enjoy and are committed to service. Like all of us here in this 
House, they understand that a lifestyle of service entails a certain 
amount of sacrifice. In exchange for all their sacrifices, they have a 
simple request: that their nation make a commitment to them that 
parallels their commitment to the nation.
  Today I ask my colleagues to join in that commitment and support my 
legislation to permanently eliminate the military pay cap.

                          ____________________