– Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) is co-sponsoring legislation that will give National Guard and Reserve Component forces eligibility for certain benefits available to active duty forces who deploy and perform equivalent duties. H.R. 1384 will provide fairness to those who are fighting alongside America’s active duty forces.

The Department of Defense (DoD) was given the authority to order National Guard and Reserve Components to active duty for preplanned missions under the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). However, it did not extend equivalent eligibility for health care, education, leave, pay and retirement benefits.

“This bipartisan, common-sense legislation is about recognizing the sacrifices of our men and women who volunteer and put their lives on the line for our country,” said Congressman Bacon. “America’s National Guard and Reserve forces are deployed worldwide every day to serve alongside active duty forces. As members of the Armed Forces, they absolutely deserve equal treatment as those performing the same duties.”

“Benefits should not be based on how you are deployed and our nation’s heroes should not be discriminated against when they serve and sacrifice for our freedom,” added Congressman Bacon.

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