Cong. Rangel Condemns "Cruel" Policy Requiring Wounded Soldiers to Return Enlistment Bonuses

Press Release

CONG. RANGEL CONDEMNS "CRUEL" POLICY REQUIRING WOUNDED SOLDIERS TO RETURN ENLISTMENT BONUSES

NEW YORK - Congressman Charles Rangel today expressed his outrage over a Pentagon policy that requires soldiers discharged from the military due to injuries sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan to return portions of their enlistment bonuses.

"To penalize soldiers by snatching away benefits promised when they signed up, after they sacrificed their bodies in service to our country, is the most cruel and inhumane practice I've seen in this war which has already been judged by the American people as unjust and illegal," Congressman Rangel said.

"It is heartbreaking, and words cannot express my outrage when these brave men and women, who are the only ones sharing in the sacrifice of these wars, are being told to 'give us the money back because you can't fight anymore,'" Congressman Rangel said.

The Congressman's statements followed revelations that, under a Pentagon policy, soldiers wounded so seriously that they must be discharged from the military are required to give back the prorated balance of their signing bonuses for the uncompleted portion of their enlistments. It is unclear how many members of the military have been affected by the policy.

"The terrible irony of this policy is that the Army especially enticed these men and women to sign up with cash bonuses in the five figures in order to meet recruiting quotas that otherwise were not being met," Congressman Rangel said. "This is not just backing away from a contract, it's saying we care about you as long as you're fit enough to stand in harm's way."

Congressman Rangel, the author of legislation to reinstate the military draft, said he was protesting the policy of retracting enlistment bonuses with officials at the Pentagon and is backing legislation prohibiting the practice.

"I introduced my bill to reinstate the draft, not because I support the war in Iraq, but to ensure that all Americans of military age would be required to share the sacrifice of the war. This outrageous policy shows just how vulnerable are those poor and middle class young people who need the cash bonuses and education benefits promised when they enlist.

"No policy could make me less proud of this government. These are heroes who have already shed their blood for this country. They should not be made victims of the additional injury of broken promises," Congressman Rangel said.

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