San Antonio Standard

Congressman Tony Gonzales of Texas emphasized the importance of prioritizing the well-being of military families during a recent hearing in Washington, D.C. He urged for tangible actions to support servicemembers and their loved ones, stating, “It's time for our actions to match up with our words, as far as putting families above everything else.”

Gonzales specifically addressed quality of life issues affecting servicemembers and their families during the House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies oversight hearing. He highlighted his efforts to increase funding for the Family Separation Allowance (FSA) through the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which was passed by Congress in December 2023.

The FSA is designed to assist servicemembers and their families with the additional costs associated with living in separate locations. Gonzales successfully included a provision in the NDAA to raise the FSA from $250 to $400 per month. Despite the authorization for this pay increase, the Department of Defense has yet to implement it, prompting Gonzales to push for its prompt enactment.

In addition to addressing the FSA, Congressman Gonzales raised concerns about the living conditions at Joint Base-San Antonio (JBSA) during the hearing. He expressed frustration over reports of mold in the barracks, emphasizing the need for swift action to address such issues. Gonzales underscored the significance of maintaining proper living conditions for military families, stating, “When I read the San Antonio Express-News and it says there's mold in the barracks again…the impression is that the military isn't taking care of our families. I know that's the furthest thing from the truth, but let's get this fixed.”

Gonzales' advocacy for improved quality of life for servicemembers and their families reflects his dedication to ensuring that the needs of those who serve in the military are met. Through his efforts to address these critical issues, he continues to be a strong voice for military personnel and their loved ones.