Email Uber Alles -- DoD Authorization Bill Reimburses Troops for
Losses of Pre-Paid Travel Expenses

May 14, 1999

Comment: #272

Discussion Thread:  #s 256

In Reference #1 to Comment #256 an Air Force Judge Advocate in Germany told the troops that they would have to foot the bill for losses of pre-paid travel expenses if they were recalled from leave because of the Kosovo emergency. It came to our attention by via email from an Army Staff Sergeant stationed in Korea.

I am happy to report that wide distribution of the Staff Sergeant's message helped to stimulate the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) to take corrective action.

Today I received the following message from a reform-oriented member of the congressional staff:

"FYI: Language to reimburse soldiers in Kosovo for their cancelled travel plans/airline fees got into the DoD authorization bill that the SASC reported yesterday."

There are still several steps to go — the full Senate must vote on the bill, then it goes to the House-Senate Conference, then the final bill will be voted on. But it is almost certain to pass.

Chuck Spinney

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