Durbin Statement on Bipartisan Hope at Home Act

DURBIN STATEMENT ON BIPARTISAN HOPE AT HOME ACT

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today made the following statement regarding the HOPE at HOME Act to reward patriotic employers who make up the pay gap between military and civilian pay for their active duty Guard and Reservist employees and to require the federal government to do the same:

"I am honored to join my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, including Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Senator George Allen (R-VA) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), in sponsoring this important legislation."

"Many in Congress, myself included, have praised private corporations, state and local governments for their commitment to make up the difference between their employees' military pay and what they would have earned at home. This is important to ensure that Guard and Reservist families won't have to suffer additional hardships during their deployment."

"While the major employers in America are rushing to support their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserves, the United States federal government still has not done so."

"The U.S. federal government is the nation's largest employer. Federal employees make up about ten percent of the National Guard and Reserve, and about 17,000 are deployed overseas right now."

"The HOPE at HOME Act includes a measure I have been working to pass for years. It would require the federal government to make up the difference in employees' military and civilian pay, just as so many other leading employers have done."

"Passing this bill would be an important and concrete way to support our troops. Let's offer these men and women in uniform not only our thanks and praise, but the financial support they need to keep their families together and give our soldiers peace of mind."

http://durbin.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=238284&&