Members of a House Armed Service Committee panel expressed shock and frustration Wednesday with the conditions of barracks that house U.S. troops after a government report detailed widespread health and safety issues, including raw sewage, rodent infestations, mold and inoperable fire safety systems.

"This is an issue that goes beyond party lines and demands our attention and action," said U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., the chairman of the panel. "Our men and women in uniform have put their life on the line to protect our freedom. They and their families make countless sacrifices for our nation. We owe it to these individuals to ensure that they have access to safe, comfortable and affordable housing. Unfortunately, the reality of military housing is often far from that."