Congressman John Carter (TX-31) fought for two key TX-31 priorities, related to credentialing opportunities for service members and juvenile justice, to be included in the FY19 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The first, allows men and women in uniform to use Tuition Assistance to pursue credentialing and vocational training regardless of MOS, so that they may immediately pursue a civilian career once they transition out of the military. The second, forces the Secretary of Defense to establish a policy on the Department of Defense’s response to allegations of juvenile on juvenile sexual assaults that occur on military bases.

“As the representative for the largest active-duty armored military installation in the free world, these two provisions are extremely important to my constituents,” Congressman Carter said. “I’ve talked to thousands of soldiers that leave the service and are unable to immediately begin a new career without completing lengthy credentialing and vocational training. My provision within the NDAA will remove the requirement that vocational training and credentialing opportunities must relate to a service member’s MOS, giving the men and women in uniform flexibility to choose a new path to a well-paying career.

“The second provision will begin to address a loophole that has allowed juvenile on juvenile sexual assaults to go unprosecuted on military installations. The language included in the NDAA will require the Secretary of Defense to establish a response policy to allegations of problematic juvenile on juvenile sexual behavior. While I’m still supportive of the implementation of memorandums of understanding across all domestic military installations, this language is an important step forward in handling these sensitive cases, so that children may receive justice. I’d like to thank Senator Cornyn for his joint efforts on this important provision.

“In addition to the two provisions described, I also fought to authorize $9.6 million in funding for a Supply Support Activity Warehouse on Ft. Hood. This facility will ensure our troops have the equipment they need to effectively train, boosting morale and readiness capabilities. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee to ensure that this and other Military Construction projects are funded in the FY19 bills.”

Rep. Carter represents Texas District 31, which includes Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored military installation in the free world. He serves as co-chairman of the Congressional Army Caucus and Chairman of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Appropriations.

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