Appropriations subcommittee hears enlisted leaders on infrastructure, housing and childcare strains

Chairman Carter convened a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing to examine quality-of-life problems facing enlisted service members and their families amid ongoing combat operations. The panel heard opening statements from senior enlisted leaders representing the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Space Force and then moved to questions about housing, childcare, recruiting and infrastructure.

Ranking Member Rep. Wasserman Schultz opened by offering condolences for recent battlefield casualties and warned that additional wartime spending requests must not sideline long-term investments in barracks, schools and medical centers. She also criticized the administration for a delayed FY27 budget submission, saying the subcommittee cannot fully evaluate needs without it.

Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Weimer told members the Army met a 2025 recruiting goal of about 61,000 new soldiers and exceeded retention targets, but said progress is undercut by a facility maintenance backlog and unpredictable funding. He…