Rep. Tony Gonzales (TX-23) will introduce the Reserve Forces Travel Fairness Act following Presidents Day weekend, ROA learned recently.
The bill, spearheaded by ROA, would amend the Joint Travel Regulations to allow reimbursement for rental cars for reservists who travel more than 150 miles to mandatory training.
Under current rules, reimbursement is typically limited to travel to and from the duty station, rather than for all days associated with the training itself.
ROA identified the issue during a visit to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base by Matthew Schwartzman, ROA’s director of legislation and military policy.
The concern was later highlighted at ROA’s first Air Force Reserve Advocacy Day, held in September in partnership with the Air Force Reserve and its Advisory Council.
“No one should have to pay to serve their country — especially when that cost includes something as basic as a rental car needed to comply with official orders,” said retired Army Maj. Gen. John B. Hashem, ROA’s CEO. “Requiring reservists to personally cover the costs of mandatory training undermines readiness and retention. ROA thanks Rep. Gonzales for his steadfast support of the Reserve Component community.”
The bill is also supported by the National Guard Association of the United States and the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States.
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