Early this week, I was shocked to learn that 9,700 California Army National Guard troops were being forced to repay their re-enlistment or educational bonuses after dutifully serving their country. I was outraged that our veterans were being subjected to this treatment and took action with my colleagues to halt these ridiculous efforts by the National Guard immediately.

Together with Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Veteran Affairs Committee Chairman Jeff Miller, Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, and my fellow California Republicans, I sent a letter to the Pentagon demanding that they halt these debt collectioneffortsagainst California Guard members.

Our call to action was heeded. On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the Pentagon to halt debt collections against CA National Guard members. I am very pleased by the timely response by the Department of Defense to the ridiculous treatment of our men and women in uniform. While this is a positive first step, I will continue working with my colleagues in the House to create a long-term legislative solution to ensure that this never happens to our veterans again. We have succeeded in making sure no more veterans are subjected to this treatment, but we need to do more to help those that were already affected. I will continue working to make sure that they are not forgotten.

Sincerely,

Doug LaMalfa