Statement for the Record National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023

Floor Speech

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Mr. RESCHENTHALER. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of Amendment No. 431 in en bloc No. 4, offered by my good friend from Rhode Island, Mr. Cicilline. I am proud to cosponsor this amendment and urge my colleagues to support it.

This amendment would safeguard important protections for servicemembers and their families by preventing the enforcement of forced arbitration clauses in any dispute covered under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The SCRA was passed to ease financial burdens on servicemembers when they are required to relocate for active duty assignments and protects them from eviction, foreclosure, and other financial penalties. Unfortunately, forced arbitration clauses deny our troops the ability to exercise their SCRA rights and protections in court. This is not right. Our servicemembers deserve peace of mind while they are out fighting for our freedoms, which is why Rep. Cicilline and I are offering this amendment.

It is worth noting this language was included in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act that passed the House with bipartisan support, but unfortunately was stripped during negotiations with the Senate. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on amendment No. 431 so we can ensure our military men and women can focus on their missions rather than worry about financial burdens at home.

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