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Outrage over US attempt to recoup veteran bonuses Outrage over US attempt to recoup veteran bonuses
(35 minutes later)
Thousands of California National Guard soldiers have been ordered to repay enlistment bonuses given to them a decade after they signed up to serve.Thousands of California National Guard soldiers have been ordered to repay enlistment bonuses given to them a decade after they signed up to serve.
Pentagon audits found the California Guard overpaid recruits in an effort to fill the shortage of troops during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.Pentagon audits found the California Guard overpaid recruits in an effort to fill the shortage of troops during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Lawmakers and veteran leaders decried the decision on Monday, calling on the Pentagon to absolve the debts.Lawmakers and veteran leaders decried the decision on Monday, calling on the Pentagon to absolve the debts.
Soldiers face interest charges and wage garnishments if they refuse to pay.Soldiers face interest charges and wage garnishments if they refuse to pay.
Nearly 10,000 soldiers are expected to repay upwards of $15,000 each after a 2010 federal investigation found that the California Guard doled out more money in bonuses and student loan payments than it was supposed to, according to US media. The welfare of veterans has been a central plank of Donald Trump's presidential campaign, although the issue has not figured much in the three TV debates.
In the latest scandal, nearly 10,000 soldiers are expected to repay upwards of $15,000 each after a 2010 federal investigation found that the California Guard doled out more money in bonuses and student loan payments than it was supposed to, according to US media.
The total amount given out is still unclear, but the Los Angeles Times reported that $22m (£18m) has been recovered in California so far.The total amount given out is still unclear, but the Los Angeles Times reported that $22m (£18m) has been recovered in California so far.
Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton responded to the reports in a statement, saying she was "appalled" by the decision. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton said she was "appalled" by the news.
"It is unacceptable to now subject them and their families to undue financial burdens thanks to to mismanagement from the California National Guard and rigid bureaucracy on the part of the Pentagon.""It is unacceptable to now subject them and their families to undue financial burdens thanks to to mismanagement from the California National Guard and rigid bureaucracy on the part of the Pentagon."
At least 54 members of Congress and the California state legislature sent letters to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, calling on the Pentagon to stop the collections and provide more details.At least 54 members of Congress and the California state legislature sent letters to Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, calling on the Pentagon to stop the collections and provide more details.
"We understand other states may have been affected but are pending verification of which ones,'' National Guard Bureau spokeswoman Laura Ochoa told the AP news agency. "California is where the majority of this occurred.""We understand other states may have been affected but are pending verification of which ones,'' National Guard Bureau spokeswoman Laura Ochoa told the AP news agency. "California is where the majority of this occurred."
Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy called the directive "disgraceful" while Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urged for legislation to halt the collection.Republican House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy called the directive "disgraceful" while Democratic House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi urged for legislation to halt the collection.
Maj Gen Matthew Beevers, deputy commander of the California Guard, said the California Guard was working with lawmakers to introduce a measure that would clear the debts.Maj Gen Matthew Beevers, deputy commander of the California Guard, said the California Guard was working with lawmakers to introduce a measure that would clear the debts.
Four people were convicted of fraud over the improper use of funds.Four people were convicted of fraud over the improper use of funds.
Navy Capt Jeff Davis, a Defense Department spokesman, said the agency would work with the Army, National Guard Bureau and California Army National Guard to "strengthen efforts to respond to this situation".Navy Capt Jeff Davis, a Defense Department spokesman, said the agency would work with the Army, National Guard Bureau and California Army National Guard to "strengthen efforts to respond to this situation".