On Wednesday a group of 20 senators announced the formation of the Senate Military Family Caucus, the first legislative coalition in that chamber to focus on the impact of war on spouses and children of troops.The move comes almost a year after House members launched their own military family caucus. In a statement organizers said the Senate caucus members will work closely with their house colleagues to “improve programs and services for military families, and to focus on the unique and growing challenges they face.” That includes a closer focus on military childcare, family health care, education benefits, spouse employment programs, and mental health services for troops’ families. 

The new caucus will be chaired by Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Richard Burr, R-N.C. In a statement Boxer noted that “when a service member puts on a uniform, the entire family sacrifices for our country.” Burr called military families “the backbone of our military” and called the new caucus an avenue to push for legislation that will benefit these families.”

The two co-chairs just last month pushed Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki to stop insurance companies from profiting off death benefits owed to families troops killed in action.
Pentagon officials have emphasized family support programs in recent years, noting that the care and comfort of spouses and children back home are among troops’ top distractions when they deploy for combat tours.

By LEO SHANE III
Published: August 19, 2010