WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) released the following statement after the Department of War (DoW) notified lawmakers that they’ve decided not to pursue privatization of the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA). The proposal would have transferred operations of commissaries, exchanges, and other retail systems to the private sector.

Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Our nation’s commissary program has long served as a critical quality-of-life benefit for our servicemembers, military families, retirees, and veterans. These stores offer affordable groceries at great prices while also offering the variety of choices our service members and their families deserve. ”

“As a commissary shopper myself, I recognize there is always an opportunity to improve the commissary system. However, the answer shouldn’t be to privatize, but to work on the system that already exists which our military families know and love. I’m grateful that the DoW has chosen to invest in modernization efforts to draw more customers to this valuable benefit. I look forward to continuing the work to ensure our commissaries and exchanges remain active and deliver a positive shopping experience for the men and women who serve our country,” she concluded. 

The Department’s decision came after Congresswoman Kiggans’ March 30th letter to Undersecretary of War for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata expressing concerns about current commissary operations and future privatization proposals that could undermine the military resale system and diminish a benefit intended to support our military community.

Among the Congresswoman’s concerns included DeCA’s decision to charge customers for single-use paper and plastic bags at commissaries across the country. Following Rep. Kiggans’ letter and a conversation with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at a House Armed Services Committee hearing, DeCA chose to reverse course.

Read Rep. Kiggans’ letter to Undersecretary Tata here.

Read Rep. Kiggans’ press release here.