Washington, D.C. – Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) has joined Reps. Jason Altmire (D-PA), Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and Patrick Murphy (D-PA) as an original cosponsor of H.R. 3793, the Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act, introduced this week. The legislation would prevent the unfair punishment of our nation’s wounded warriors by requiring the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide veterans who have been discharged due to combat-related wounds with full payment of any and all remaining enlistment bonuses within 30 days of discharge.

“Early discharge from the military due to a combat-related injury should not result in the loss of an enlistee’s bonus,” Congressman Jones said. “All of our men and women in uniform, and especially those who have been injured or wounded in combat, deserve what has been promised to them. This legislation would help ensure that veterans who return from combat with severe injuries are not punished for their heroic sacrifice.”

The President’s Commission on Care for our Nation’s Returning Wounded Warriors, co-chaired by former Senator Bob Dole and former Secretary Donna Shalala, revealed that the DoD is unfairly penalizing our nation’s wounded veterans by not providing them with their full enlistment bonuses. The current policy prohibits bonuses from being paid in full to servicemembers unless their entire military obligation is fulfilled. The Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act would change this policy to ensure that thousands of combat wounded warriors receive the bonuses they have earned and deserve.

The Veterans Guaranteed Bonus Act is supported by Disabled American Veterans, the Non Commissioned Officers Association, the Blinded Veterans Association and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kathleen Joyce at (202) 225-3415.