WASHINGTON, D.C. – Joseph J. Heck, Chairman of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, issued the following statement on the amendment to the FY2021 National Defense Authorization Act introduced by Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Don Bacon (R-NE), and Michael Waltz (R-FL) during the House Armed Service Committee’s mark up:
“On behalf of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, I want to thank Representatives Chrissy Houlahan, Don Bacon, and Michael Waltz for offering an amendment to the annual defense bill containing the Commission’s legislative recommendations. The leaders of the bipartisan For Country Caucus have been tremendous champions of the Commission’s work, introducing H.R. 6415, the Inspire to Serve Act of 2020, which contains legislative provisions to promote and expand a culture of service across the nation.
Though committee rules required that the amendment be withdrawn, their discussion underscored the importance of the Commission’s recommendations to strengthen all forms of service to address critical national security and domestic needs.
I also want to thank Chairman Adam Smith, Ranking Member Mac Thornberry, Military Personnel Subcommittee Chair Jackie Speier, and Representative Susan Davis for their support and positive comments about the Commission’s report, and for their interest in further exploring the Commission’s recommendations through hearings and considering them for inclusion in future legislation.
We look forward to working with the bipartisan leadership of the House and Senate Armed Service Committees to advance the Commission’s recommendations to strengthen national security and empower more Americans with clear and supported pathways to military, national, and public service.”
