Reps. Sara Jacobs, Stephanie Bice Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Ensure Oversight and Accountability for Safe Military Housing
Washington,
August 4, 2022
|
Lauren McIlvaine
Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Katie Porter (CA-45), and Tim Ryan (OH-13) introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure oversight and accountability on safe housing conditions for service members and military families. The Military Housing Readiness Council Act would create a council comprised of Department of Defense (DoD) officials, service members, military families, and military housing experts to ensure ongoing oversight of deficiencies in privatized military housing. The council’s mandate includes responsibility for full implementation of a tenants’ bill of rights, completion of the public complaint database, and public reporting on all its activities. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the companion legislation in the Senate. “It's unconscionable that many military homes don’t meet the most basic standard of living and put the health and safety of our servicemembers and their families at risk,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. “Our military families sacrifice so much for our country, and the least we can do is ensure they are safe in their own homes. I’ve heard horror stories from constituents about military housing overrun with black mold that’s harmed their health and the health of their families, including their small kids. This is a problem in San Diego and all across the country that lowers military readiness and morale, and makes us all less safe. The Military Housing Readiness Council Act will help us conduct much-needed oversight and accountability of military housing and ensure that our military families have the safe housing they deserve.” Congresswoman Stephanie Bice said, “It is our duty to support those who have bravely and selflessly dedicated their lives to protecting our nation. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Military Housing Readiness Council Act, which will provide oversight and transparency for military housing. While conditions in privatized military housing at Tinker AFB have seen improvements in recent years, there are still a range of nationwide issues that require greater oversight including the timeliness of repairs, abatement of mold, and the timely accommodation of individuals with disabilities. We must ensure our servicemembers and their families have reliable and safe housing conditions.” The Military Housing Readiness Council Act would:
### |