By: Trina Fitzgerald, Assistant Director, Government Relations

MOAA’s 12th Military Spouse Symposium, “Keeping a Career on the Move®,” took place on March 23, 2015 in Alexandria, Virginia. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R- N.Y.) joined the symposium, acting as the keynote speaker.

Congresswoman Stefanik brings a fresh perspective to Congress, and at 30 years old, she is the youngest woman ever elected to the House. She was also appointed to the House Committee on Armed Services in January 2015.

Stefanik prioritizes her focus on the military community, as Fort Drum is located within her district. She emphasized her understanding and appreciation of military spouses who “face burdens in maintaining [their] careers,” stating that, “we must recognize the economic impact military spouses face” due to the unique requirements of military service.

The Congresswoman is one of many legislators who understand the destructive impact sequestration has on the military and Department of Defense.

During her freshman year, Stefanik has taken a strong stance on repealing sequestration. She acknowledges that the harmful effects of this legislation leave military families “under constant worry” and uncertainty. Coincidentally, just last week, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter warned Congress that if sequestration is not repealed, the military may have to start cutting pay for the first time in history.

‘We applaud the Congresswoman’s strong stance on sequestration. If we don’t see relief from these harmful cuts, we will continue to see an erosion benefits and programs that support military and family readiness,” said MOAA deputy director of government relations Karen Golden. “Balancing our Nation’s budget on the backs of our service men and woman, and their families is wrong.”