VETERANS GUARANTEED BONUS ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 19, 2007)
HON. CLIFF STEARNS
OF FLORIDA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2007
* Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this bill that corrects a desperately ill-advised regulation hurting our Nation's heroic men and women in uniform. This Defense Department policy has resulted in several veterans being denied their full bonuses or being asked to repay funds they are entitled to, simply because their injuries prevented them from serving out their full term of service.
* Unfortunately, this is not a new problem. Back in October of 2004, Brian Ross of ABC News reported that Army Specialist Tyson Johnson, who was injured by an exploding mortar round in Iraq, later received a letter demanding repayment of his enlistment bonus while he was still recuperating in the hospital.
* Two months ago, National Public Radio highlighted the story of Army Specialist Ronald Hinkle, who suffered a traumatic brain injury after an IED explosion cut short his military career. Not only was Specialist Hinkle owed $2,500 in back salary, but two months after NPR's story aired, he was notified that a $3,000 enlistment bonus would not be paid because he ``failed to fulfill his contract.''
* In yet another case, Tommy Guinn, who is a respected 14-year Army veteran, ended his term of service early when a helicopter accident in Pakistan left him paralyzed. Thank God he made it home safely to his family, but the military kept $1,000 out of his re-enlistment bonus.
* This is not the treatment our returning warriors deserve. I am proud to support this bill that finally changes this flawed policy. The Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act makes the bonus payments automatic and requires the Secretary to pay any remaining portion of bonus payments within 90 days of medical discharge. During this season of Peace on Earth and goodwill towards men, let us show goodwill to those on the frontlines protecting our peace. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.