Rep. Kildee, Congressional Delegation Call on National Guard to Ensure Proper Meals for Soldiers

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, along with other Republican and Democratic members of Michigan's congressional delegation, today sent a letter to the Chief of the National Guard Bureau demanding immediate action to ensure that approximately 1,000 Michigan service members currently providing security assistance at the U.S. Capitol receive proper meals.

On February 22nd, Kildee's office received a complaint from a service member about the quality of food being served, including reports of undercooked meals. The same day, Kildee's office reached out to the National Guard to take corrective action. According to an update provided by the National Guard today, at least 59 service members have recently reported gastrointestinal issues, including some service members needing to go to the hospital for diagnosis.

Kildee and other Members of Congress are calling on a new food provider to immediately be brought in or that service members be provided with a per diem through their remaining mission.

"It is completely unacceptable that our men and women serving in Washington D.C are being hospitalized due to the food they are being provided. As Representatives of these service members, we request that either the current contract be voided and a new food provider be brought in or that the service members be provided with a per diem throughout their remaining time in Washington, D.C.," the letter reads in part.

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