Issa Co-Sponsors Bill To Address National Guard Bonus Scandal

Statement

Congressman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) released the following statement after signing on as an original co-sponsor to the Veterans Earned Their Bonus Act (H.R. 6316). The bill addresses the veterans bonus scandal uncovered by the LA Times where veterans were being forced to repay bonuses granted by California National Guard recruiters from 2004 to 2010.

"The soldiers who selflessly served our nation shouldn't be punished for the government's bureaucratic mistakes. The vast majority of these cases were examples where soldiers were offered bonuses and accepted them in good faith. Many of those affected had their life savings depleted and credit ruined as they worked to repay these debts they never owed. This important measure will help right these wrongs, stop the collection efforts and ensure these service members who've already repaid them have every single penny returned."

The Veterans Earned Their Bonus Act (VET Bonus Act)

Creates a presumption that bonuses were received in good faith and that veterans met the criteria to receive the bonus.
Determines that receipt of bonus money from the California National Guard between 2004 -- 2010 shall not be subject to repayment to DoD unless the veteran committed fraud or did not satisfy service requirements in obtaining the bonus.
Returns bonus money to veterans who already repaid them -- plus interest.
Requires the Department of Defense to notify credit agencies that any debt previously reported was never valid.
Provides financial assistance to veterans who incurred financial hardship

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