WASHINGTON – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed legislation championed by Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) guaranteeing no American service member wounded in combat will be denied the bonus they were promised.

“The best way to honor our troops is to honor the commitments we have made to them,” Stupak said.  “Today Congress made it clear the President and Department of Defense will not be allowed to short-change our troops by denying them their enlistment bonus.”

The military does not always pay service members their full enlistment, re-enlistment or other bonuses if they are severely wounded and cannot return to duty.  Stupak was first alerted to the problem by Derek Gagne, an Army National Guardsman and Iraq war veteran from Wilson, who had been denied part of his bonus after suffering the loss of his right leg, a severe eye injury and losing part of his left foot when his Humvee struck an IED.  While completing paperwork at Walter Reed Medical Center, Derek was told he would not receive the remainder of his enlistment bonus.

“This Administration is very quick to go to war but far too slow in responding to the needs of our veterans and their families,” Stupak said.  “We know Derek is not the only soldier impacted by this disgraceful policy and I am committed to ensuring that all outstanding bonuses are paid fully and promptly.”

H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007, was introduced by Congressman Jason Altmire (D-Penn.) and has the support of 270 cosponsors, including Stupak.  In late November, Stupak led a bipartisan coalition in urging President Bush to change the administration’s policy.  In its response, the Department of Defense explained that it is up to each individual branch of the Armed Services to determine whether bonuses will be paid out in full to severely wounded veterans.

“The Department of Defense must have a uniform policy that honors the commitment and sacrifice our troops have made for this country,” Stupak said.  “This legislation should not be necessary.  As commander in chief the President has the authority to correct this policy.  His inaction forced Congress to intervene.”

Stupak has been a leader on issues related to the rights of troops and their families.  A measure Stupak authored was signed into law requiring federal facilities to lower their flags to half staff in honor of fallen heroes upon a governor’s proclamation.  Just last week Stupak supported a provision in the Defense Authorization Act allowing troops to utilize their education benefit under the G.I. Bill even upon discharge from the Armed Forces.  Stupak also authored the “Fallen Service Member Respectful Return Amendment” to the Defense Authorization Act after hearing from families who had difficulties persuading the Department of Defense to transport the remains of their loved ones to the nearest airport.

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