Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) released the following statement regarding recent reports that the Department of Defense is seeking repayment of enlistment bonuses from over 9,700 California National Guard servicemembers and veterans:
“I am outraged that our servicemembers and veterans are being asked to repay bonuses and benefits promised to them when they answered the call to serve our nation. Our veterans were not responsible for the errors and mismanagement that occurred, and they should not be held financially responsible for the mistakes of others.”
“We must keep the sacred promise that we made and fully honor the service of these veterans who served our country. I intend to introduce legislation as soon as Congress returns to waive repayment, and will work with my colleagues to ensure a full accounting of how this mismanagement occurred.”
Issues: 114th Congress, Local Issues, Veterans' Affairs