06/09/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/09/2022 15:50
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) today introduced the Don Young Arctic Warrior Act, legislation to alleviate some of the hardships faced by service members in Alaska. Sullivan also today offered the legislation as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for the fiscal year 2023, which will be considered next week in the Senate Armed Services Committee.
In addition to proficiency pay and allowances for basic necessities, the bill increases the Department of Defense's (DOD) ability to address the shortfall of behavioral health providers by establishing a graduate program in counseling and social work at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The bill also provides for scholarships and retention bonuses for those serving in the behavioral health field.
"After hearing directly from servicemembers stationed in Alaska, it was clear that action is needed to address hardships they face while moving to and living in our state," Senator Murkowski said. "The Don Young Arctic Warrior Act, which Senator Sullivan and I named in honor of the late Congressman for All Alaska, will help address financial challenges and adjustment to living in Alaska, while also improving access to mental health providers. We must do more to solve the suicide crisis our military faces. We have learned that financial stress is a major contributor to suicidal ideation, but in Alaska, many servicemembers don't have anywhere to turn for help. Our legislation recognizes the critical role that Arctic Warriors play in the defense of our nation and alleviates some of the hardships that are associated with living in such a remote and austere location. It reflects our strong commitment to military members, their families, and their futures, and I hope Congress will agree to move quickly on it."
"Since coming to the Senate, ensuring Alaska's service members and their families are properly cared for has remained one of my highest priorities," Senator Sullivan said. "Alaska is home to thousands of military service members and more veterans per capita than any other state. The Don Young Arctic Warrior Act, which Senator Murkowski and I are introducing today-our late great congressman's birthday-is the result of dozens of hours spent listening to soldiers and their families throughout our state, most recently alongside Congresswoman Speier, chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, who I want to thank again for her focus on Alaska military personnel and their families. It's no secret that training and living in the Arctic can at times present challenges relative to other duty stations. As a Marine, I have witnessed firsthand the training and toughness required of our military in Alaska. Our legislation aims to provide better access to the resources and support Alaska's service members and their families deserve in order to thrive in our unique environment."
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel, is introducing companion legislation in the House. Rep. Speier visited Alaska military bases in March, where she attended listening sessions alongside Sen. Sullivan.
"I've spoken with many surviving family members of soldiers who died by suicide and just recently visited Fort Wainwright and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson with Sen. Sullivan to meet directly with leadership, junior enlisted soldiers, non-commissioned officers, military spouses, and behavioral health providers. Our trip made clear that Congress must act both to address stressors unique to Alaska as well as to improve access to behavioral health services throughout the military," said Congresswoman JackieSpeier, Chair of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee. "The high cost of living, extreme weather, and crushing isolation from family and friends at home is particularly challenging for soldiers in Alaska. Worse yet, when they need help the most they face monthslong waits before they can meet with a behavioral health clinician. This national tragedy must end, and the Don Young Arctic Warrior Act will ensure our servicemembers get the help and assistance they need and deserve. I'm proud to have worked with Sens. Sullivan and Murkowski, as well as the late Rep. Don Young, on this bipartisan package and will fight to include it in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023."
Details: The Don Young Arctic Warrior Act provisions focus on:
Background: As Alaskans know too well, it is more expensive to live in Alaska than most other states. The 2019 Epidemiological Consultation conducted at Fort Wainwright found that 27 percent of soldiers experienced worse financial conditions following their move to Alaska.