Peace Garden News

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the Servicemembers’ Credit Monitoring Enhancement Act, a bipartisan effort to extend free credit monitoring services to all service members. The legislation, which was introduced in April 2023 by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tom Carper (D-DE), and Steve Daines (R-MT), will now proceed to the House for consideration.

Currently, only active-duty service members and full-time National Guard members are eligible for free credit monitoring. The new bill aims to include non-active duty reservists and traditional National Guard members as well.

Senator Cramer emphasized the importance of protecting service members from financial fraud due to their sacrifices: “Look, our service members put so much on the line to protect us and our way of life. And yet, it’s actually their sacrifices that leave them more vulnerable to financial fraud,” he said. He urged the House to pass the legislation before Congress adjourns.

Senator Klobuchar highlighted the need for supporting military families: “Servicemembers are heroes who put their lives on the line for our nation and we must support them in every way we can.” She noted that this legislation would enhance their financial security.

Senator Carper, a Navy veteran himself, underscored the responsibility owed to service members: “We owe it to our service members to make sure that their financial well-being is protected while they are protecting our country at home and abroad.”

Senator Daines expressed his commitment to military families in Montana and nationwide: “Our servicemembers and their families have made endless sacrifices... I’m proud to support this bipartisan legislation.”

The bill's passage in the Senate marks a significant step toward safeguarding the financial interests of military personnel across various duty statuses.