[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 116 (Thursday, July 14, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E736]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL 
                               YEAR 2023

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                               speech of

                         HON. GUY RESCHENTHALER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2022

  Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Amendment No. 
431 in en bloc No. 4, offered by my good friend from Rhode Island, Mr. 
Cicilline. I am proud to cosponsor this amendment and urge my 
colleagues to support it.
  This amendment would safeguard important protections for 
servicemembers and their families by preventing the enforcement of 
forced arbitration clauses in any dispute covered under the 
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The SCRA was passed to ease 
financial burdens on servicemembers when they are required to relocate 
for active duty assignments and protects them from eviction, 
foreclosure, and other financial penalties. Unfortunately, forced 
arbitration clauses deny our troops the ability to exercise their SCRA 
rights and protections in court. This is not right. Our servicemembers 
deserve peace of mind while they are out fighting for our freedoms, 
which is why Rep. Cicilline and I are offering this amendment.
  It is worth noting this language was included in the Fiscal Year 2022 
National Defense Authorization Act that passed the House with 
bipartisan support, but unfortunately was stripped during negotiations 
with the Senate. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on amendment No. 431 
so we can ensure our military men and women can focus on their missions 
rather than worry about financial burdens at home.

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