Washington – Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ-03,) Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07), introduced the bipartisanMilitary Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023to provide back pay for military officers whose promotions were delayed in the Senate. The legislation would also provide retroactive promotion dates and other administrative fixes. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) previously introduced the Senate version of the bill.

“Disagreements between elected representatives on abortion access should not negatively impact the pay and promotion of the men and women who serve our country,” said Bacon. “While I do not support the Department of Defenses’ policy of paying travel expenses for service members and their dependents seeking an abortion, we need to send a clear message that the pay and promotions of senior military leaders we urgently need in key positions should not be used as political leverage.This bipartisan legislation fixes that.”

“For months, our officers were left waiting for promotions while Senator Tuberville used them to pressure the Pentagon to follow his extreme position on abortion,” saidGallego. “Military personnel should not be pawns for partisan officials. That’s why I’m proud to lead this bipartisan bill to ensure our military leaders are not deprived of the benefits they deserve.”

"At a time when our great nation is facing unprecedented threats from every corner of the world, it is critical we prioritize our military men and women," said Kiggans. "Preventing the promotions of more than 400 general and flag officers did the opposite and negatively impacted our military's readiness. While I share my colleagues' disagreements regarding DoD policies, Congress cannot allow our military families to get tangled up in partisan politics. I'm proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to provide benefits and backpay to the members of our Armed Forces who were negatively affected by this delay in promotions."

“When our servicemembers raise their right hands and swear an oath to protect our nation, they do so believing their elected leaders will put the interests of military personnel ahead of personal, political agendas," said Houlahan. “I'm still angry that sacred trust was broken these past nine months, but it's time to repair it. This legislation will fulfill our obligation to hundreds of officers, ensuring that each of them receives the pay they would have received were it not for the harmful actions of one Senator. I hope this legislation will be quickly taken up to demonstrate to military personnel that the vast majority of us in Congress are truly thankful for their service and sacrifice.”

“Senator Tuberville’s actions jeopardized our national security and threatened to cripple our military readiness at home and abroad,” said Spanberger. “By ensuring that impacted servicemembers receive the compensation they are owed for the promotions Senator Tuberville blocked, this bipartisan bill would demonstrate that lawmakers should not tolerate another one-man show.I want to thank my colleague Congressman Bacon for his partnership in this effort.”

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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