Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) has cosponsored the Rural Guard Act of 2016 – bipartisan legislation to reduce barriers to enlistment in the National Guard and Reserve for those who live in rural areas.
“Brave men and women who step forward to serve their nation shouldn’t be at a financial disadvantage because of where they live,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “My district is home to many patriotic Members of the National Guard and Reserve and this bipartisan, commonsense legislation would help ensure they are reimbursed for training.”
Currently, Members of the National Guard and Reserve can receive up to $300 reimbursement for travel to training activities. While this is financially viable in many areas around the country, it can make National Guard and Reserve participation cost-prohibitive in many rural areas. The Rural Guard and Reserve Act modifies existing law to remove the $300 reimbursement cap, on a case by case basis, if certain conditions are met.
Legislative Specifics:
This bill authorizes the removal, on a case by case basis, of the $300 cap on travel expense reimbursements to certain members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve who:
• Live in a rural area in the same state as the inactive duty training location.
• Are required to travel to the inactive training location using a boat or aircraft due to limited or nonexistent vehicular routes, or from a permanent residence more than 75 miles from that location.
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