Schrader, Wyden, Merkley, DeFazio, Blumenauer, Walden, Bonamici Sign Letter Expressing Concern to Proposed Changes In National Guard Pay and Benefits

Statement

All seven members of the Oregon Congressional Delegation today released the following joint statement after signing a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Defense, Leon Panetta, expressing grave concerns regarding the proposed changes to National Guard pay and retirement identified in the 11th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation (QRMC):

"The proposal to change National Guard drill pay and retirement seems untenable. At a time when the Active Component is experiencing a reduction in forces, we question any plan likely to jeopardize National Guard recruitment and retention. We are particularly concerned with the detrimental effect on the retention of senior officers and noncommissioned officers should the QRMC recommendations be adopted. The Oregon National Guard deserves the best we have to offer for their service, and we ask for any further consideration of these proposals to proceed with the greatest caution."