This week, Representative Mike Garcia (CA-27) secured the highest base pay raise in American history for junior enlisted servicemembers. Rep. Garcia released the following statement after this historic victory for our troops.

“I will always fight to protect America’s troops,” said Rep. Garcia. “First, it was my honor to protect my fellow soldiers from the cockpit during my time in uniform. Now, it is my privilege to fight for our soldiers and their families in the halls of Congress. That’s why I’m so proud to announce that I’ve secured the largest pay raise for our troops in American history.

“The military relies on young Americans to sign up amid many other career opportunities. Simply put, it’s unacceptable that these brave men and women – who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of our freedom – are making less than fast food workers. This year’s Defense Appropriations bill now guarantees that every single soldier in our military makes at least $31,200 a year.

“Let me be clear: This victory is not a cure-all to the ongoing crisis in military recruitment and retention. It’s a much-needed step in the right direction, but President Biden and the Pentagon must do more to support and inspire our troops. It’s my commitment to our warfighters and their families that I will never stop working to protect those who do so much to protect us.”

Rep. Garcia was able to lead this historic effort as a member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. This year’s funding will now increase base pay for junior enlisted troops from $23,000 a year to at least $31,200 a year – an average pay raise of 30 percent.

America’s military morale and readiness have declined over the past two years to some of the lowest levels since WWII. This comes while Pentagon leaders issued guidance to troops on how to cope with inflation eating their paychecks; Army leaders even suggested soldiers and their families consider going on food stamps. 

Since January 2021, service members will have received a 3% raise (2021), a 2.7% raise (2022), and a 4.6% raise (2023 projected) – but none of these will let them clear inflation. The Republican majority in Congress is committed to continuing its effort to better support America’s troops and their families.