Schiff, Bono Mack, Boyd, and Mack Launch New America Supports You Caucus

Caucus will emphasize individuals, organizations and companies that support our troops and their families

WASHINGTON – Co-chairs Reps. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA), Allen Boyd (D-FL), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Connie Mack (R-FL) announced the launch of a new bipartisan Congressional caucus to support members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families at a press conference on Capitol Hill today. 

The America Supports You Caucus will support the good work already being done by organizations across the country to support our men and women in uniform and their families.  Over 27 Members of Congress have joined the Caucus, which will also highlight the America Supports You program, a Department of Defense program that provides opportunities for citizens to show their support for the U.S. Armed Forces by connecting individuals, organizations, and companies to hundreds of homefront groups that offer a variety of support to the military community.

“American military members and their families, such as those from 29 Palms or March Air Reserve Base, are most-deserving of our strongest support and gratitude,” said Bono Mack.  “As these brave men and women deployed throughout the world protect our freedom, it is critical that we let them know that back home we appreciate their sacrifices and will support their families.  This Caucus will be a tool for us in Congress to commend and expand efforts already underway to support our dedicated men and women in uniform and their families.”

“As a veteran of Vietnam, I know how much it means to our troops and their families to be reminded of the support and goodwill of the American people back home,” said Congressman Allen Boyd (D-FL).  “America Supports You’s partnership with the U.S. Postal Service to provide the first-ever military discount is just one example of how the America Supports You program is assisting our military community.  I am eager and excited to highlight and encourage the good work being done by the America Supports You program through this Caucus.”

“I am delighted to be a part of this new effort in Congress to show our appreciation for the bravery, commitment and sacrifice of our troops and their families, and do so in ways that really matter,” said Schiff.  “Our caucus will work with the great organizations in the America Supports You network to connect service members and their families with the support they need and deserve -- everything from letters of encouragement to clean socks, from homes for disabled veterans to new job opportunities.”

Congressman Connie Mack (R-FL) said, “There are hundreds of organizations in Southwest Florida and across the country that are working hard every day on behalf of our troops and their families.  I’m pleased that our Caucus will be able to highlight these outstanding efforts and help to connect individuals who want to help our troops with organizations that can assist in those efforts.”

As an example of the positive partnerships resulting from the America Supports You program, the Caucus Co-Chairs were joined by Postmaster General John Potter, who announced the U.S. Postal Service’s new, larger flat-rate box at a reduced price for packages sent to military members and families stationed overseas.  The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate box is 50 percent larger than current flat-rate boxes, and for the first time in history, the Postal Service is offering a $2 discount when sending the larger box to an APO/FPO address, enabling customers to send more with one flat price. 

Also joining the Caucus co-chairs for the launch of the new Caucus were Army General Gary Patton, the America Supports You Joint Chiefs spokesperson; Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Allison Barber; and representatives from three homefront groups, including Our Military Kids, Landstuhl Hospital Care Project, and Angels of Mercy.

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