Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) released the following statement after the Department of Defense announced immediate modifications to the military’s moving system to address longstanding issues with military member relocations:
“Military members and their families sacrifice so much in service to our country, including every time they relocate and integrate into a new community. After pushing for months, we’re pleased to see the Department of Defense move to address ongoing challenges with the contract tasked with moving household goods for military members and families in the process of relocating.
“As these policy changes are implemented, we will continue to work with the Department of Defense and USTRANSCOM to ensure that servicemembers and military families who are already well into the relocation process are not left in the lurch. Additionally, as these shifts put more pressure on federal employees to adapt to this change, we will continue to push for adequate federal staffing levels and against Trump’s senseless hiring freeze, which continues to prevent critical positions from being filled across government.”
These modifications follow close advocacy by the senators, who have pushed for months to address delays, poor communication, and repeated issues affecting military members during relocation under the Global Household Goods Contract (GHGC).
Earlier this month, Bennet, Warner, and Kaine urged U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) General Randall Reed to address ongoing household move challenges affecting military families – such as ongoing delays and confusion – ahead of peak transfer season as USTRANSCOM implements the GHGC to streamline its relocation process.