Bill would reimburse reservists for travel - Navy News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Navy Times

Bill would reimburse reservists for travel

Sen. Ben Nelson has introduced legislation allowing new travel reimbursements for National Guard and Reserve members.

Nelson, D-Neb., says it was inspired by 48 Nebraska National Guard soldiers who almost didn’t make it home for Christmas 2007 because of travel restrictions.

The base was shut down for the holidays, but military rules prevented funds being used to pay for their travel back to Nebraska.

Nelson and the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce worked to raise private funds to pay for the soldiers’ travel. But Nelson says it was an embarrassment.

The bill was co-sponsored by Nelson and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. It allows the Secretary of Defense to use defense funds to pay for travel in similar situations.