WASHINGTON – Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) led a bi-partisan coalition of 73 Members of Congress urging President Bush to change the Administration’s policy of denying severely injured troops their full enlistment bonuses.

“It is unconscionable that the Department of Defense would deny troops their bonuses when they are severely injured in the war,” Stupak said.  “Today, I was joined by colleagues from both sides of the aisle in calling on the President to end this despicable policy.”

Under a current Department of Defense policy, the military will not pay service members their full enlistment, re-enlistment, or other bonuses if they are severely wounded and cannot return to duty.  This means that combat wounded veterans who are discharged from the military because of the severity of their injuries do not receive their promised bonuses.  Stupak was first alerted to the problem by a local Iraq war veteran who had been denied part of his bonus after suffering a severe eye injury, losing part of his foot and his leg when his Humvee struck an IED in Iraq.

“I learned about this problem from National Guardsman Derek Gagne from Wilson,” Stupak said.  “I was appalled when I heard of severely wounded soldiers being denied their full bonuses.  I am committed to immediately changing this policy.”

Stupak is a co-sponsor of the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007 (H.R. 3793), which was authored by Congressman Jason Altmire (D-PA).  This bi-partisan legislation, supported by more than 200 Members of Congress, would require the Department of Defense to provide veterans who have been discharged from the military due to combat related injuries their full payment of any bonuses within 30 days of their discharge.

“While I am pleased that more than 200 of my colleagues have co-sponsored legislation to change this despicable policy, I cannot sit by and let this injustice stand,” Stupak said.  “I authored this letter to the President, signed by 73 of my colleagues, asking the President to terminate the Administration’s policy and ensure all outstanding bonuses are promptly paid to our deserving heroes.”

Stupak has been a leader on several 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 upon a governor’s proclamation that flags should be flown at half staff in honor of fallen heroes.  Stupak also authored the “Fallen Service Member Respectful Return Amendment” after hearing from families who had difficulties persuading the Department of Defense to transport the remains of their loved ones to the nearest local airport.
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NOTE: For a radio actuality, dial 202-225-0157.  The text of the letter to the President is below.

November 20, 2007
 
 
The Honorable George W. Bush
President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
 
 
Dear President Bush:
 
Recently, communities throughout our nation honored the brave men and women who have defended our country in previous wars as well as those who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  While parades, speeches, and ceremonies are important, we believe it is more important that the U.S. government properly care for and honor our veterans.
 
Recently, we have heard growing concerns from our constituents about a Department of Defense (DOD) policy on bonuses.  It is our understanding that the DOD does not provide service members with their full enlistment, re-enlistment, or other bonuses if they are wounded while in combat and cannot return to duty.  This means that combat wounded veterans who are discharged from the military because of their serious injuries will not receive their full bonus.
 
This policy is unacceptable.  It is unbelievable that the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our Nation are being shortchanged and denied the bonuses they were promised by their government.
 
To correct this inequity, over 200 Members of Congress have co-sponsored the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act of 2007 (H.R. 3793).  This bipartisan legislation would require the Department of Defense to provide veterans, who have been discharged from the military due to combat related wounds, with their full payment of any and all remaining bonuses within 30 days of their discharge.
 
We, the undersigned co-sponsors of the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act, respectfully request that you immediately end this practice, and ensure that all service members who have served their country honorably and have been wounded in combat receive their full bonus.  America must honor and keep our promises to our veterans.
 
We ask you to terminate this policy and ensure all outstanding bonuses be promptly paid to our deserving heroes.
 
Sincerely,