(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) introduced bipartisan, bicameral resolutions to celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child. In the Senate, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) co-led the resolution with Senator Murray.
Specifically, the resolutions urge all citizens, business, and government leaders to observe the Month of the Military Child with ceremonies and activities that honor, support, and show appreciation for the incredible sacrifices of the 1.6 million children connected to the military across the United States.
“We make a promise to our military service members that we’ll take care of them and their families throughout their service—and this resolution is an affirmation of that commitment,”said Senator Murray. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution with Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers. Military kids deserve to know that their government is looking out for them and their families, and—whether it’s housing, health care, or anything else—that’s what I’m focused on making a reality every day in the other Washington.”
“I’ve always said when someone joins the military, it’s not just a job – it’s a family commitment to our country. This is especially true for the more than 1.6 million children who have a parent actively serving our nation, including the nearly 2,000 who call Fairchild Air Force Base home,” said Congresswoman Rodgers. “To all of the children in a military family, we salute you for sharing your parents’ commitment to our country. You are a hero in your own way, and this month is all about celebrating you.”
Murray was joined in introducing the resolution by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Tom Carper (D-DE), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
In the House, McMorris Rodgers was joined in introducing the resolution by Representatives Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Don Bacon (NE-02), Andy Kim (NJ-03), and Cheri Bustos (IL-17).
“As someone who deployed to Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, leaving my daughter Libby at home, I know firsthand the sacrifices those with moms and dads in our armed forces make,” said Ernst. “I’m honored to work with Democrats and Republicans on this effort to recognize the children of our men and women in uniform for whom we are eternally grateful,” said Senator Ernst.
CLICK HERE to read the Senate resolution.