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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- There is no length of service qualification. If you served in either Operation, you would be qualified.
- 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