Lawmakers representing the Southland are joining the chorus of politicians calling on the Pentagon and the California National Guard to stop demanding repayment of enlistment bonuses that were granted incorrectly to service members. Congressman Cook has called for a House of Representatives probe into the matter and for a legislative fix to be passed. Some 10,000 service men and women have been ordered to repay large enlistment bonuses — and face financial penalties if they refuse — after audits revealed prevalent overpayments by the California National Guard at the height of last decade’s wars overseas, many had reportedly served multiple combat tours. The California National Guard said in a statement that it lacks the authority to unilaterally waive these debts but welcomes any law passed by Congress to do so.
