Walz, Palazzo & Speier lead National Guard & Reserve Caucus in defense of CA Soldiers

Applaud Secretary of Defense in halting recoupment of reported bonus overpayments by DoD, call for investigation into waiving recoupment altogether

Mankato, MN [10/28/16] – Representative Tim Walz (D-MN), Representative Steven Palazzo (R-MS) and Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA) rallied their colleagues in pressing the Pentagon for answers and action following media reports of the ongoing recoupment of bonuses improperly paid to Service Members.

After hearing the accounts that thousands of California National Guard soldiers and veterans were ordered to reimburse enlistment bonuses years after they were incorrectly overpaid them, Walz, Palazzo and Speier, along with 198 of their colleagues, requested that Secretary Carter halt all efforts to recoup improperly paid bonuses while he investigates the matter, and waive the recoupment in appropriate cases where the Service Member fulfilled their contract.

“Nothing is more important and nothing binds our nation together like the support of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines,” the lawmakers wrote the Secretary. “Many of these men and women volunteered to serve as our country surged forces overseas and did so with the promise that they and their families would receive additional financial compensation. Seeking recoupment of these funds that were erroneously received through no fault of the Service Members is not in line with our promise to take care of those who stand up to answer the call of our nation.”

Walz and Palazzo, both National Guardsmen, serve as Co-Chairs of the House National Guard and Reserve Components Caucus. Speier serves as Ranking Member on the House Armed Services Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. To read the full letter to Sec. Carter, please click here.

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