The Senate Armed Services Committee held an open hearing on Wednesday about the dangerous living conditions in private on-base military housing. Arizona Sen. Martha McSally called the situation "disgusting."
Military wives and mothers testified about the conditions of their homes on base. They reported cases of black mold, lead paint and water contamination. The Military Family Advisory Network submitted a report to the committee. In it, they documented stories of sick children and outstanding work orders.
McSally spoke at the hearing.
"We went to the private sector because the private sector unlike the bureaucracy of the government is supposed to be better, is supposed to be more innovated, more responsive, more able to do customer service for our troops and their families," McSally said. "Instead of being partners with our troops to make sure our way of life is kept safe and free, they left you hanging."
According to a statement, 99 percent of housing for families living on military bases is owned and operated by private companies.
