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Jay Inslee: Washington's 1st Congressional District

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Legislative Issues

Veterans

Military Bonus Amendments

17 October 2003

The House of Representatives voted on the Stupak/Doyle/Holt/Inslee amendments this morning to increase the military personnel accounts by $265 million – the amount needed to provide our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan with a $1500 bonus. The amendment failed in a tie vote, 213-213.

What the amendments would have done:

  1. The first amendment increased the basic rate of pay to all military services by $265 million. According to Congressional Budget Office estimates, $256 million would provide the additional funding that it would take to give each service member a $1500 one-time bonus for their courageous efforts under Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom during fiscal year 2004.
  2. The second amendment paid for the first amendment by cutting $256 million from the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund. The amendment urged that the cut come specifically from the $900 million listed in the Committee Report to provide Iraq, the country with the second-largest oil reserves, with petroleum imports.

Specifics:

  1. The $1500 bonus would be given to any military personnel that serve under the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves and serves in a combat zone under Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom.
  2. There is no ‘length of service’ qualification. If you served in either Operation, you would be qualified.
  3. The amendment is endorsed by:
    • Air Force Sergeants Association
    • Enlisted Association of the National Guard
    • Marine Corps League
    • National Association for Uniformed Services
    • Non Commissioned Officers Association