Reps. Ryan and Palazzo Introduce Bipartisan Bills to Support National Guard and Reserve Pay Equity and Readiness

Press Release

Representatives Tim Ryan (OH-13) and Steve Palazzo (MS-04), Cochairs of the House National Guard and Reserve Caucus, today introduced two bills in support of the National Guard and Reserve, which have selflessly and repetitively answered our nation's call.

"In a year when the National Guard and Reserve were deployed more than at any other time since World War II, Congress must do everything in its power to support the citizen soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines that have made unimaginable sacrifices here at home and around the world," said Representative Ryan.

Representative Palazzo agreed, "As we continue to strengthen our National Guard and Reserve forces, it is important we retain our talented service members. This Incentive Pay and Parity Act will give our Guard and Reserve members the same specialized pay as their active-duty counterparts for completing same job and mission. I believe this is a great opportunity for active-duty service members to continue their service to our country in reserve units without losing certain pay and benefits."

"Our National Guard is at the forefront of every state and national emergency. As the Mississippi National guard has shown time and time again, they are resilient in responding to natural disasters, civil unrest, and overseas deployments.

"Currently, our Guard units around the country are experiencing budget shortfalls because of improper oversight into the Treasury's Miscellaneous Receipts Act (MRA). As Co-Chair of the National Guard and Reserve Caucus, I look forward to working with our members to ensure we give our National Guard the necessary funding they need to complete the mission," said Rep. Palazzo.

The National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay Parity Act requires the military to provide Reserve and National Guard service members incentive and special duty pays at the same rate as their active duty counterparts. The Armed Services utilizes more than 60 special and incentive pays to influence retention and sustain the size of the force. Current legislation caps the amount of pay that members of the National Guard and Reserves receive to a fraction of what those on active duty receive. The National Guard and Reserve Incentive Pay and Parity Act requires equal pay for equal proficiency.

The Guarding Readiness Resources Act of 2021 corrects the Miscellaneous Receipts Act and would allow the National Guard Bureau to retain reimbursements made by states and territories to the federal government for the use of federal equipment. According to the National Guard Bureau, "the inability to retain these funds for maintenance and repair of federal National Guard equipment after use by the states is a risk to the National Guard's readiness for federal missions…" This bill safeguards National Guard equipment, property, and training resources so that units remain, "Always Ready, Always There."

Both bills are supported by the National Guard Association of the United States and have companion bills in the Senate.

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