U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (KY-02) Introduces Military Pay Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Ron Lewis (KY-02) recently introduced HR 4730, legislation to provide relief for soldiers who find themselves in a 'no pay due' situation as a result of overpayment. Current law requires the phased recovery of overpayments of pay and allowances made to members of the U.S. military, causing some soldiers to receive zero-sum paychecks, with little or no notice, as a result of inadvertent pay system errors.

"I understand that larger, systemic problems exist within the military's personnel and payment systems and that these problems are the root of many such situations," said Lewis. "But we cannot stand by while soldiers endure this hardship, bearing the consequences of errors resulting from circumstances beyond their control. This is unacceptable considering their courageous service, especially in a time of war."

H.R. 4730 would amend current law to allow that no more than 20% of a service member's paycheck can be taken at one time to recover overpayment, and would add an additional 90 day grace period before paychecks for wounded soldiers would be affected.

Lewis first became aware of the 'no pay due' problem as a result of several cases in his district which includes Fort Knox. USA Cares, a non-profit organization that offers support to soldiers and their families, was providing assistance to several families who had experienced 'no pay due,' and brought their situations to the Congressman's attention. "The burden being placed on these families was in many cases overwhelming," said Lewis.

Lewis has engaged numerous government agencies, non profit organizations, military officials and soldiers themselves in an effort to understand the military debt problem. He discovered that zero-sum paychecks caused by no pay due are happening on a widespread scale, particularly where travel, assignment change, or geographical movement is involved. There is also a troubling prevalence of pay problems for wounded soldiers.

U.S. Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), Chairman of the House Government Reform Committee, which has jurisdiction over certain areas of military processing, has taken a particular interest in the 'no pay due' issue and is the first co-sponsor of Lewis' bill.

"My bill does not propose absolving debt," said Lewis. "A permanent solution is necessary, and I will continue to be involved in the broad efforts on these issues. In the meantime we can no longer ignore the damage this unfair practice is causing. This legislation will provide immediate relief for soldiers who do find themselves in a 'no pay due' and draw critical attention to this issue."