Service member pay was a top issue on senior enlisted leaders’ minds at a Wednesday hearing of the House Armed Services Committee’s Quality of Life Panel, Military Times reported.

“We must start today on reforming military compensation before it becomes one of those big problems,” Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea said. “It’s not going to be solved by Saturday, or in just one year. But we need to be in front of the problem.”

Honea’s counterparts from the other services agreed, as did lawmakers.

“It is crucial that these men and women are fairly compensated for their dedication, sacrifice and service they provide to our nation,” Panel Chair Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said at the start of the hearing.

The panel is developing recommendations for Congress to consider in upcoming defense authorization discussions.

Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Anastasia McCarroll