• WASHINGTON
Through the efforts of a legislator whose jurisdiction encompasses a wide expanse of military communities, Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) commissaries stopped charging customers for single-use and paper bags after a month-long bag fee was rescinded.
Reports are that Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) spurred the reversal, which went into effect May 6, following her advocacy against the policy, where customers were paying 5 cents for plastic bags and 10 cents for paper single-use bags.
Kiggans’ advocacy against the initiative included a letter to Anthony Tata, the under secretary of defense for Personnel and Readiness, and a direct conversation with Department of War (DoW) Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In a statement posted on her house.gov website, Kiggans said,
“Our military families sacrifice so much for our country, and they should not be nickel and dimed with unnecessary fees when visiting a commissary for groceries.
“I was deeply frustrated when DeCA announced it would impose a charge for paper and plastic bags — an added cost that complicates a benefit intended to support our service members, retirees, and their families.
“I appreciate Secretary Hegseth for listening to my concerns and taking swift action to eliminate this fee. Prioritizing affordability for our servicemembers and their families is essential, and this decision is a meaningful win for those who serve. I will always fight to make life more affordable for hardworking military families.”
Kiggans represents the Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District, including the military-centric Hampton Roads area, where NS Norfolk and NAS Oceana have their operations.
DeCA RESPONSE
DeCA had released a brief press release on May 6 — exactly one month after the program began on April 6 — stating that the new policy “is effective immediately for all commissaries worldwide, except for those locations that must otherwise comply with applicable federal, state and local requirements.”
An agency spokesman told the American Logistics Association (ALA) that an explanation of the policy reversal would be forthcoming.
Source: kiggans.house.gov
Edited by Larry Lapka
