[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The Senate passed a measure sponsored by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Evan Bayh (D-IN) to help National Guard and Reserve members cope with the loss of income during long deployments. The amendment allows reservists mobilized for more than six months to receive up to $3,000 per month in extra pay to help close the gap between their military and civilian salaries. To qualify, a reservist must have a pay gap of at least $50 per month.

“Many active duty troops experience an increase in income during deployments,” Durbin said. “On the other hand, reservists with civilian incomes higher than their military pay actually suffer a loss. That is unfair. Many of our Guard and Reserve members are worried about their families back home. These families have less money for the monthly budget, less money for the mortgage and less money to pay gasoline and heating bills. The Senate took an important step to help correct this unfairness."

Durbin said survey data from the Department of Defense Status of Forces Survey of Reserve Component Members clearly demonstrates the need for action by Congress. The report released in September 2004 revealed that 51% of the members of the National Guard and Reserve said they suffer a loss of income when mobilized for long periods of active duty because their military pay is less than the pay from their civilian job. The average reservist loses $368 per month but 11% report losing more than $2,500 per month.

The Durbin/Bayh amendment was included in the Senate Department of Defense Authorization bill. Durbin said that he was hopeful this critical provision will become law since the House of Representatives passed a similar measure earlier this year.