Opening Statement (As Prepared)

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I want to thank Mr. Fallon for hosting this hearing on an important quality-of-life issue for our service members: access to quality and nutritious food. I believe that this hearing serves as a continuation of much of the good work we started during last Congress.

The bipartisan House Armed Services Quality of Life Report highlighted food insecurity as a challenge resulting from poor compensation of service members, particularly for those in the most junior ranks. As a result, we included a historic pay raise for junior enlisted in the last NDAA, so I look forward to taking on the challenge of improving food quality and access across military installations.

In January 2023, at Congress’ request, RAND National Defense Research Institute published a study “Food Insecurity Among Members of the Armed Forces and Their Dependents” which included among its findings that approximately 25 percent of all active-duty personnel would be classified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture as having low food security. In addition, the report highlighted that food insecurity was higher among those living on post.

Since then, a series of news reports have further exposed concerning trends across the Services’ food programs. Whether it is the quality of the food being served, or the quantity of options available during meal hours, both are variables that challenge service members’ access to nutritious food. This is compounded by the fact that service members may find chow halls closed or kiosk shelves empty when they finally have a chance to eat given their varied work schedules.

Nearly all service members receive a monthly payment to defray their personal food costs, known as Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS). This allowance is provided at a flat rate; however, the funding mechanisms to support on-installation food programs have recently come under increased scrutiny after questions were raised regarding how the Services spend the Basic Allowance for Subsistence that is withheld from Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Guardians. It is also unclear whether the Services consistently and accurately account for the costs of food programs, which also calls into question if, and how, the Services measure their effectiveness.

To the points of oversight and effectiveness, last year the Government Accountability Office released a report where it made over a dozen recommendations for the Department of Defense and the Military Services to increase their oversight and evaluation of nutrition efforts in support of service members. And unfortunately, I must report that nearly a year after its release all the recommendations remain opened, which means they have not been addressed.

And that is why I’m very interested in hearing from our witnesses:

  • How they are modernizing their food options across installations;
  • How they are improving access to and quality of food options; and
  • What additional legislative authorities they may need to make significant improvements to the food security of service members.


Mr. Chairman, I am confident that we can work together to help the Services turn the tide and increase the quality and quantity of food options.

Thank you to the witnesses again for being here and I yield the balance of my time.