Military Families

Military families numbering around two thousand depend on food stamps because Pentagon pay falls short. President Bartlet voices sharp frustration over their hardship, which the military acknowledges but resists fixing through across-the-board raises. Eligibility varies, fueling turf battles with the White House. Defensive memos from the Pentagon remind critics to back off. Their plight pressures Bartlet during policy talks, highlighting gaps in military support that shape budget compromises and executive priorities.