[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 206 (Thursday, December 14, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H6946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  AMERICA'S COMMITMENT TO THE MILITARY

  (Mr. KIM of New Jersey asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Mr. KIM of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
effort to pass the National Defense Authorization Act. It is a strong 
bipartisan, bicameral compromise to address many of the quality-of-life 
needs of our servicemembers and their families.
  The conference report that I signed reiterates America's commitment 
to supporting a diverse force that reflects our Nation and protects the 
reproductive rights of servicemembers by keeping DoD's travel policy 
for noncovered medical care intact.
  The bill includes a well-deserved pay raise for our servicemembers 
and expands eligibility for the basic needs allowance program so our 
military families can have more money in their pockets. These and 
several other provisions, like improvements to barracks and housing 
facilities and other issues, will address recruitment and retention of 
our military, which is vital.
  Our servicemembers and their families make incredible sacrifices for 
us. By passing this bill, we are reinforcing our commitment to them.
  Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues in both parties to support and 
pass this important piece of legislation.

                          ____________________