America’s military officers whose promotions were delayed in the U.S. Senate would receive back pay under a bipartisan bill led by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD).
“The men and women who wear the uniform of the United States of America should not be negatively impacted by political squabbles,” Sen. Rounds said. “I am pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Sen. Manchin to do the right thing and provide military officers and their families with the benefits they have earned for their decades of service and sacrifice.”
Sens. Rounds and Manchin (D-WV) on Dec. 7 led the introduction of the Military Personnel Confirmation Restoration Act of 2023, S. 3456, as sponsor and lead original cosponsor, respectively.
If enacted, S. 3456 would provide a retroactive effective date for the promotions of senior officers of the U.S. Armed Forces whose military promotions were delayed as a result of the suspension of Senate confirmation for such promotions.
“When our men and women in uniform serve side by side, they don’t know whether the people they are serving with are Republicans, Democrats or Independents,” said Sen. Rounds. “I support a member of the Senate’s right to hold any nomination; however, our men and women in uniform should not be caught in the middle of partisan politics.”
The bill would make an adjustment to the affected service members’ time in grade and other administrative fixes, according to the bill’s text.
“I’m proud to join Sen. Rounds in introducing this bipartisan legislation to provide retroactive promotion dates and back pay for our nation’s senior military officers after the delay of their promotions,” said Sen. Manchin. “I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this important legislation that compensates our troops and re-prioritizes national security.”
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) is among the five other original cosponsors of the bill, which has been referred to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee for consideration.