Costa Supports Legislative Action to Suspend Efforts to Reclaim California National Guard Bonuses
Washington, DC – Today, Rep. Jim Costa (CA-16) joined Rep. Adam Schiff (CA-28) and California Representatives in introducing the National Guard Bonus Repayment and Financial Relief Act. The legislation would halt the Army from recouping funds from members of the Army National Guard who, in good faith, received bonuses and education benefits that they were not eligible to receive.
Last month, Rep. Costa pledged to take legislative action on this issue when Congress reconvened.
“Ensuring that the California National Guard servicemen and women who are victims of the bonus claw back are protected is priority number one,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “While Secretary Carter has ordered the suspension of all efforts to collect repayments, Congress should pass this bill to guarantee that in fact happens. American service members and their families sacrifice everything for this country. Enacting this legislation would right the wrong committed by bad actors within the Department of Defense and prevent any further harm to our service members and their families.”
In October, Secretary Ash Carter ordered the suspension of all efforts to collect repayments from affected soldiers and committed to establishing a streamlined, centralized process by January 1st for service members to seek relief from repayment. Secretary Carter committed to completing the decision-making process on these cases no later than July 1.
In addition to halting the recoupment of funds, this legislation would reimburse, with interest, soldiers who have already repaid the government.
Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).