WASHINGTON – The U.S. House today passed an amendment authored by U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad (R-MN) to fund an extension of the U.S. military’s “Rest and Recuperation” program to cover domestic travel expenses.

The military recently began employing its first “Rest and Recuperation” program since the Vietnam War. All soldiers who have served 12 straight months qualify for 15 days of “R & R” and some 700 soldiers a day are currently returning to the U.S. to see their families. Unfortunately, the troops are only transported to the Baltimore-Washington Airport, not all the way to their homes.

“We owe it to our brave troops returning from the war zone to cover their travel expenses home,” said Ramstad. “Anyone who’s served in the military knows how important it is to get home to their loved ones.”

“Too many of our brave troops find themselves stranded at an airport far from their homes or families, with airline ticket fares too expensive for most troops to afford,” said Ramstad.

“I am deeply grateful the House passed my amendment to fund the travel costs home for our brave troops,” said Ramstad. “This is the very least we can do to show our troops that we appreciate their dedicated service and great sacrifice.”
 

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