Two Kildee Amendments Seek to Improve Care for Wounded Warriors, Protect Service Members from Predatory Lenders

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05) has successfully amended the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with two amendments, both focused on improving the lives of service members in Michigan and around the nation. On a unanimous bipartisan vote late last night, the amendments were passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I am pleased that the House adopted both of my amendments to care for our wounded men and women returning from overseas and to protect service members near military bases from predatory lenders," Congressman Kildee said.

Congressman Kildee's first amendment seeks to improve the care wounded warriors receive when they return home. Many returning wounded service members in Michigan and around the nation continue to face hurdles and delays in receiving proper treatment and care. It would allocate $20 million for an independent study to identify ways that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) can improve its care for returning service members who have been wounded in combat.

Under his amendment, the contract for the private study would be awarded to an entity that has not historically received a significant amount of its revenue from the DOD or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This is to ensure that the review and study provides a new and objective perspective on the continued challenges the departments continue to face in treating wounded warriors.

"While they have made a laudable effort, the Department of Defense is still confronting significant challenges regarding its care and transition of wounded warriors," Congressman Kildee said. "Today, as our men and women are returning home, they are still failing to receive the care they need and deserve. Caring for these individuals, who served honorably, is one of our most solemn duties. I am happy to see my amendment pass to ensure that we can improve care for our returning service members."

Congressman Kildee's second amendment seeks to expand financial literacy resources for service members and ensure that they are not unfairly targeted by predatory lenders. Service members have previously been targeted for some loans -- including pay-day and vehicle title loans -- that have interest rates as high as 400 percent. Congressman Kildee's amendment allocates $10 million to develop and expand financial literacy training programs for incoming and transitioning service members so that they have the necessary resources to make informed financial decisions, including understanding the dangers of predatory lenders.

"When our men and women in uniform have financial difficulty, it not only affects their own family, but also their unit's combat effectiveness," Congressman Kildee said. "Far too often, lenders target service members on military bases with financial products that could have long-term negative impacts on their family's financial security. My amendment would expand and provide resources for military families to help them better manage and understand their finances and protect them from being unfairly targeted by unscrupulous lenders."

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