Stefanik Cosponsors Equal Pay for Servicewomen Act

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored the Equal Pay for Servicewomen Act with Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) and Jackie Speier (D-CA-14) to address the significant disparities in military uniform costs between servicemen and women.

In February, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report that found servicewomen pay 2-10 times more money out of pocket on uniforms throughout their military careers than men. If signed into law, this legislation would correct this unacceptable $80 million dollar disparity by directing the secretaries of each military branch to take specific actions to reduce it.

Congresswoman Stefanik issued the following statement: "The Equal Pay for Servicewomen Act is a straight-forward solution to address a tremendous gender-related inequity in the United States Military. America's selfless military women deserve equal considerations in all aspects of their service, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bipartisan bill."

"As Chair of the Women Veterans Task Force, I'd heard repeatedly what the Government Accountability Office report found: women servicemembers pay far more than their male counterparts on uniforms," said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. "These gender-based inequities are antiquated, and we have a duty to ensure that all servicemembers are treated fairly and do not incur disproportionate out-of-pocket costs for uniforms. I am eager to work with Congresswoman Speier and Congresswoman Stefanik to advance this bill to make certain that the U.S. military executes equitable and inclusive policies for all its personnel."

Read the full GAO report here.

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