Troops on coronavirus response deployments are putting themselves at risk and deserve hazard pay, a top veteran in Congress says.
Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a retired lieutenant colonel with more than 20 years in the Guard and Reserves, who served in Kuwait during the Iraq War, plans to introduce a bill this week to provide tax-free hazardous duty pay to all National Guard service members deployed in response to the pandemic.
The legislation calls for back-pay for deployments that began in March.
"Over 850 Iowa National Guard troops are part of 46,000 national guardsmen and more than 7,000 active-duty troops fighting COVID-19 right now. They all deserve hazard pay for their service," Ernst said in a statement on social media Monday. "My bill will make this happen with back pay."
The legislation also includes hazard pay for active-duty troops, military medical corps and others deployed on coronavirus-related missions.
"Whether it's delivering personal protective equipment, food or medical supplies, or National Guardsmen and women have answered the call to help during COVID-19," Ernst said. "I could not be more proud of their tireless and selfless efforts. That's why I believe Congress should take this small step to recognize the hazardous work they're doing during this pandemic and provide them the pay they deserve."
Sgt. Frank Yoakum, executive director of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, praised Ernst's planned bill.
"Our National Guard men and women have been called upon, once again, by the nation's leadership to help combat the novel coronavirus pandemic in America," he said in a statement. "The risks are great. So are the hazards."
"National Guard soldiers and airmen are on the frontlines with our brave doctors, nurses, and first responders and deserve this critical recognition and financial support as they risk exposure to this virus every day," said retired Brig. Gen. J. Roy Robinson, NGAUS president.
Hazardous-duty pay could mean at least $150 in additional pay per month, though the exact amount depends on how lawmakers classify the pandemic deployments under current Department of Defense definitions. The total cost of providing hazard pay to these troops was not immediately clear.
Ernst also planned to send a letter to President Donald Trump Tuesday, asking that he grant Title 32 status to Iowa's National Guard.
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