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The House is examining a must-pass, annual defense policy bill. This includes a review a new moving agreement and security enhancements to trucks on military bases and installations.
The Republican leaders of the chamber expect to advance the annual defense measure this month. The legislation includes a provision requiring the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine programs and processes associated with the U.S. Transportation Command’s Global Household Goods Contract. The bill would also require the commander of U.S. Transportation Command, to provide an update on the program to Congress in this year.
The GAO review will determine “the extent to [which] the [Defense] Department monitors and utilizes feedback from across the services regarding the new processes, systems, and requirements established by [Global Household Goods Contract], including effects on personnel rotation and readiness requirements,” as well as “the extent to [which] the new GHC is functional, user friendly for service members, civilians, and their families, as well as integrated between the department and individual services, military family, and the prime, subcontractors,” as per a report prepared by
The U.S. Transportation Command explained the GHC aims to improve the relocation processes for military personnel and families. HomeSafe Alliance, a firm, was given the task of managing a network commercial moving companies. Its operations are the umbrella logistical service associated with relocation.
Public Affairs (Defense Intelligence Agency)
A coalition of independent owner-operators and professional movers known as “Movers for America,” has raised questions about the GHC. The group of stakeholders is now calling for a thorough review. The coalition has also proposed a pause in the program “until clear results are evident.”
The group’s online background states: “Given that the program plays a vital role in military operations and preparation, a closer look at the potential impacts of the program on military families, moving companies, and American competitiveness is urgently required.” “The new fee structure and business model are so unrealistic that many respected and well-tested professional moving firms with experience in military moves refuse to sign up — because they will lose money in the effort to support our soldiers.”
A provision in the annual defense act is also designed to improve security guidelines for operators assigned certain types of cargo at military bases and installation. The provision builds upon a recently implemented policy.
The bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, a bill that proposes increases to military salaries and health benefits, is approved by both chambers each year. Mike Rogers, the chairman of the Armed Services Committee (R-Ala.), who is the bill’s primary sponsor, has called on his colleagues to support it. Rogers’ Senate counterparts have begun debate on their version.
“The most important investment that we can make in our military is our people. Rogers said that no service member should be worried about putting food on their table, or having a safe place to live. “The [fiscal-year 2025] NDAA” will increase compensation, improve housing and access to medical care. It will also increase access to childcare and provide support to spouses of servicemen.
Adam Smith, ranking member of the Armed Services Committee (D-Wash. ), is pushing to keep the measure’s bipartisan tone. Speaker Mike Johnson (R) received recent remarks from Smith. Smith said that the bill prioritized clear bipartisan priorities, such as investing in innovation and modernization, to help strengthen America’s industry base and improve readiness. It also ensured robust oversight and divestment from aging legacy programs and systems, and reaffirmed America’s commitment to its allies and partners, as we continue to face huge challenges and threats around world that we can’t face alone.
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