Giving our troops the resources they deserve

Our troops — who sacrifice so much for our communities and nation — deserve the very best that our country can offer. They are heroes who have selflessly answered the call to protect our interests at home and abroad and defend our communities from evil forces across the globe. While America’s servicemembers make real sacrifices to serve our country, their current pay does not reflect this sacrifice.

I recently voted for legislation to change that.

In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that more needs to be done to support our troops. Military servicemembers and their families often face financial strain, particularly among junior enlisted troops who, in some instances, make below minimum wage. These financial burdens do not only affect current servicemembers, but also hinder our armed forces’ ability to recruit future members. Senior enlisted leaders have continually highlighted the struggles facing these junior enlisted members, and the threat that this lack of financial security poses to the long-term strength of our military.

That’s why I voted in strong support of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which, among other provisions, would increase pay for junior enlisted members by 19.5%. Along with this pay raise, the NDAA expands childcare for military families and ensures that they receive high-quality healthcare. These investments are a significant step forward as we look to provide our troops and military families with the support and resources they deserve.

The FY 2025 NDAA also ensures that our troops have the necessary tools to address ongoing threats worldwide. From funding counternarcotics operations at the border to preventing Chinese spies from accessing military or top-secret bases, we have worked to better support our troops and keep our nation safe.

Our servicemembers deserve our deepest appreciation and support. As a strong advocate for our troops and military families, I will continue to fight for the pay and support our servicemembers and their families need.

This op-ed was originally published in the Marshalltown Times-Republican on July 10, 2024.