WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) secured the support of the Armed Services Committee for a series of policy priorities that are included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as it moves towards consideration by the full House of Representatives. As Chair of the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus, Rep. Houlahan proudly offered a number of amendments that deal specifically with issues affecting women serving in our military.

“One day after Women Veterans Day, I am grateful for the opportunity to advocate for policy priorities that tackle many of the issues I faced and that servicewomen continue to face today: health care, childcare, sexual assault and harassment, among others.” said Houlahan.

“I worked on a bipartisan basis to require the military services to encourage participation in the Women’s Health Transition Training pilot program, which helps teach women separating from the military about the healthcare options available at the VA. When I separated from the military, I had no idea what the VA offered – we can change that for the next generation of women Veterans. This pilot program has already shown great promise in the Air Force, and this language will help ensure the program is available across all services.

Sexual harassment and assault in the military is an issue we all have a responsibility to address. However, data shows that servicemembers are more likely to speak up to stop other dangerous behavior – like alcohol abuse or suicide – than they are to intervene in cases of sexual misconduct. My amendment required that the Department of Defense look into a new requirement for servicemembers – a duty to intervene in cases of sexual misconduct. I believe this will help change the culture around bystander intervention to make clear we all have a responsibility to help our friends and colleagues.  

Lastly, I offered an amendment that would require the Department of Defense to make recommendations to Congress on how we can establish a pilot program to help bring more licensed private or in-home child care facilities into areas where there are not enough options for our military families. We want our servicemembers to bring their whole selves to work – focused on the mission rather than worrying about whether their kids are safe and well cared for. I look forward to working with the Department to grow the pool of affordable, quality options for childcare off base. When you enlist someone, you enlist their family, and I take seriously the charge of caring for our country’s military families.

As Chair and Founder of the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus, I am honored to be doing this work on the Armed Service Committee alongside my fellow women veterans. The work is just beginning, and I will continue to fiercely advocate for every woman who serves our country.”

“ROA is very excited about the hard work Rep Chrissy Houlahan and the Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus have conducted on the behalf of our women servicemembers, veterans and families,” said Maj. Gen. USA (R) Jeffery Phillips the Executive Director of the Reserve Officers Association. “The legislation being pursued will enrich their service and aid in their ability to serve the nation.”

“The Servicewomen and Women Veterans Congressional Caucus, which formed just last month, is already tackling two significant problems that drive women from military service: a lack of accessible childcare and a hostile work environment,” said Ellen Haring, PhD, Colonel, US Army retired, CEO of Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN). “As Chair, Rep. Houlahan has managed to include language in the NDAA markup that reduces cost and increases accessibility to childcare and goes after the hostile work environment by aiming to increase accountability for all servicemembers who do not speak up after witnessing incidents of harassment and assault. No longer will bystanders be absolved of responsibility when they observe a crime and fail to report it. Bravo to the Caucus and Representative Houlahan who founded and chairs the Caucus!”

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She’s in her first term representing Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House Small Business Committee.

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