Reps. Taylor, Panetta Introduce the Better Military Housing Act

Statement

Today, United States Congressman Van Taylor (R-TX) joined with Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) to introduce legislation to improve oversight and enhance the health, safety, and quality of privatized military housing.

The Better Military Housing Act requires the Department of Defense, in consultation with military families, develop and implement a strategy to improve privatized military housing. The action plan must improve personnel training and contract oversight, protect against any reprisal, and better regulate health metrics and lease provisions.
Congressman Van Taylor said, "As they put their lives on hold and sacrifice to defend our freedom, the men and women of our armed forces should not be left with sub-standard housing as their only available option to raise their family. As a Marine, I'm proud to join Congressman Panetta and introduce this legislation to afford our military service members with a quality, safe place to call home while serving their nation."

"It is imperative the Department of Defense develop a holistic solution to remedy systemic privatized military housing issues and empower servicemember families," said Congressman Panetta. "This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will enhance transparency, communication, and accountability standards connected to privatized military housing. My sincere thanks to all stakeholders, particularly Mrs. Leigh Tuttle -- a former district resident, current military spouse, and national advocate -- for working with me on this issue."

"Every family deserves a safe place to call home, especially our servicemembers and their families who sacrifice every day to serve this country," said Senator Cortez Masto. "It's unacceptable that military families are faced with living in poorly maintained housing, or newly constructed homes that are unsafe. I'm proud to introduce legislation to bring much needed reform and oversight to the privatized military housing industry and ensure that our military families have the support they need to thrive."

Complete text of the Better Military Housing Act can be found here.

In addition to Congressman Taylor, original cosponsors of the Better Military Housing Act include Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), Congressman Anthony Brown (D-MD), Congressman John Carter (R-TX), Congressman Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Congressman Denny Heck (D-WA), Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA), and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (R-MO). Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

In April, Congressman Taylor joined colleagues in sending a letter to the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of the Air Force, and the Secretary of the Navy to express concern regarding the transparency, communication, and accountability standards related to private military housing. The complete text of the letter can be found here.

A 7th generation Texan, Congressman Van Taylor is a dedicated family man, successful businessman, and decorated Marine Officer. Taylor served Collin County both in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. Today, Taylor is proud to serve on the House Committee on Education and Labor as well as the House Committee on Homeland Security.

Source