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Costa Strongly Condemns DOD’s Action to Collect Enlistment Bonuses Paid to American Soldiers

October 25, 2016

FRESNO, CA – Today, Rep. Jim Costa released the following statement in response to the Department of Defense collecting enlistment bonuses paid to American soldiers.

“Our nation’s heroes deserve the utmost appreciation and respect,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “Asking that soldiers repay tens of thousands of dollars in bonuses is not the American way, and I strongly urge Department of Defense Secretary Ash Carter to waive the debts of the American soldiers who are victims of negligence by the DOD. At the very least, all debt payments should be put on hold until Congress considers legislative proposals to ensure that soldiers and their families do not face financial hardship.”

Rep. Costa joined his House colleagues in sending a letter to Defense Secretary Carter and General Joseph Lengyel, Chief of the National Guard Bureau. The letter asks for swift attention to halt collections and cancel repayment requirements before the end of the year.

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