Soldiers forced to pay back bonuses sparking outrage in Washington

Thousands of soldiers are being forced to pay back bonuses they received because of a mistake.

The LA Times first reported that the Pentagon is forcing thousands of California National Guardsmen to pay back bonuses given to service members who weren’t eligible to receive them.

Veterans are repaying bonuses of as much as $15,000 plus, in some cases, a decade of interest.

The House Armed Services Committee is working with the Pentagon to determine whether the Department of Defense can forgive the debt.

The Pentagon said affected service members can appeal through a review process. But veteran advocates said it is not an adequate solution.

“That review process can often take years, and during that time the interest builds, their payments can grow and their credit can be affected,” said Marine veteran Dan Caldwell.

Leaders in both parties said in statements that this is no way to honor military service.

Cox Media Group