Washington, D.C.  – Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA), Co-Chairs of the Military Family Caucus, held a Caucus briefing today to discuss a groundbreaking study by the RAND Corporation examining the impact of deployment on military families.  The RAND study contained detailed legislative recommendations for supporting military families before, during and after deployments.

“I recognize that when a service member joins the military, it’s not just a job, it’s a family commitment to our country,” said Rep. McMorris Rodgers.  “Research shows that although military families are strong, deployments challenge their health and stability.  I’m confident that today’s briefing focusing on the RAND study will help Congress and the Pentagon address the growing and changing needs of America’s military families.”

Some of the ideas presented in the RAND study include scholarships in mental health professions for military spouses, more support activities for military teens, and streamlined access to care and support.  

A copy of the RAND study can be found here.