"Many military families are experiencing severe financial hardship from increased costs following the deployment of a family member," Schakowsky wrote in a letter to members of the House serving on the House-Senate Conference Committee on the emergency funding bill.  The letter was signed by 32 House members

Senator Durbin's proposal, which was adopted by the Senate, would increase Imminent Danger Pay, from $150 to $225 per month, and the Family Separation Allowance, from $100 to $250 per month.  

Schakowsky continued in the letter, "A plethora of men and women currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces have children, and the deployment of one or, in some cases, both parents adds a major financial hardship of extra family care costs.  The $100 provided by the Family Separation Allowance would hardly cover a week of even the most inexpensive child care, much less a month.  Other increased expenses include health care costs not covered by TRICARE, and various transportation and communication expenses."

"By increasing Imminent Danger Pay and Family Separation Allowance in the Supplemental Appropriations bill, we can provide immediate relief to military families who desperately need financial relief," Schakowsky concluded.