BISHOP, RODGERS, KIM INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN RESOLUTION DESIGNATING APRIL AS “MONTH OF THE MILITARY CHILD”

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA-02), Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-05), and Congressman Andy Kim (D-NJ-03) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate April as the Month of the Military Child. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced the resolution in the U.S. Senate.

Month of the Military Child is observed each April to honor and celebrate military children and youth for their service, commitment, and sacrifice in support of the Department of Defense's mission. The observance reiterates a commitment to provide quality care and positive youth development for a bright future.

"Our troops and their families make sacrifices and must adapt to the changes and challenges involved in military service. Georgia is home to over a dozen military bases. I am honored to represent and serve so many military families," said Congressman Bishop. "Children of our servicemembers often move from school to school, constantly have to make new friends, and sometimes endure long periods of time without seeing their deployed servicemember parents. Their parents need to find new caregivers and resources, including for those with special needs. I will continue to work in Congress to support our military children and families, so that our troops can rest assured while they defend our country."

"Joining the military is more than just a job, it's a family commitment that can be difficult," said Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. "To all the children whose mom or dad is actively serving our country — at Fairchild Air Force Base or halfway around the world — we thank you for sharing in their sacrifice. You are a hero in your own way, and you deserve to be celebrated."

"More than 1.6 million American children serve our country in ways we sometimes forget. These brave children, whose parents or guardians are servicemembers stationed at home and abroad, make incredible sacrifices every day in support of their families," said Congressman Kim. "Designating April as the 'Month of the Military Child' will give these children recognition for their spirit, grit, and sacrifices. I am honored to represent many military families that work and live on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, and proud to help introduce this in a bipartisan way. Together we salute military families and their resilient, exceptional children."

Congressman Bishop is Co-Chair of the bipartisan Congressional Military Family Caucus along with Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. The caucus hosts an annual summit to discuss the challenges military families face, the needs that Congress can address, and the federal programs that serve and provide resources to America's military families.

###