Rep. Calvert Cosponsors CA National Guard Bonus Fix Bill

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-42) announced that he has cosponsored the Veterans Earned Their Bonus Act (VET Bonus Act), H.R. 6316. The legislation will legislatively correct the CA National Guard bonus claw back issue that has affected thousands of veterans.

"Like all Americans, I was outraged when I learned about the hardships our veterans were being forced to endure due to no fault of their own," said Rep. Calvert. "While I was relieved by the Sec. of Defense's decision to halt the collection of these bonuses, Congress should ultimately pass legislation to resolve the matter once and for all. The VET Bonus Act will provide our veterans with the peace of mind and financial relief that they deserve."

Here is a summary of the VET Bonus Act:

· Presumption is with Veterans that their bonuses were received in good faith and that the Veteran met the criteria to receive their bonus.

· Receipt of bonus money from California National Guard between 2004 – 2010 shall not be subject to repayment to DoD unless the Vet committed fraud or did not satisfy service requirements in obtaining the bonus.

· If bonus money has been repaid by a Veteran in part or in full it shall be returned to the Veteran, plus interest in accordance with existing law.

· For Vets who are reimbursed by the Army, the Secretary must notify credit agencies that any debt previously reported was never valid.

· In addition, if a separate financial hardship has been incurred by a Vet who has been required to repay a bonus in part or in full, the Secretary of the Army shall provide financial assistance.

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