San Diego Rep. Susan Davis Proposing Military Food Assistance Legislation

Military families on the low-end of the official pay scale often find themselves in a financial bind, especially when they are stationed in high-cost-of-living areas such as San Diego. While their housing allowance is increased to be able to afford a place to live, that increase boosts their overall income and disqualifies them from most food assistance programs. So these families can face food insecurity and wind up at food pantries.

Rep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego, is proposing a basic-needs allowance for low-income military families in high-cost areas to help them become eligible for food assistance. So far the allowance has not been approved as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019.

Davis, a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, spoke to Midday Edition on Thursday about the legislation. The interview transcribed below has been lightly edited for clarity.