Local Lawmakers Accused Of Doing Little To Stop Forced Repayment Of Enlistment Bonuses From National Guard Members

ALHAMBRA (CBSLA.com) — Some local lawmakers are accused of doing too little to help the California National Guard members forced to pay back their enlistment bonuses.

Representative Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) and Janice Hahn (D-San Pedro) held a news conference in Alhambra Friday to call for legislation that would permanently end the Pentagon's collection.

"Like everyone here, I was shocked and outraged," Chu said. "I will urge leadership to bring legislation to the floor immediately."

Hahn echoed Chu's statement and said "I was also outraged."

Then some of the veterans, who were invited to sit in front of the news cameras to show their support, began to ask questions about why these politicians didn't act sooner, and why they decided to act now 11 days before the general election.

"No body ever sees you guys until you guys run for office," one veteran said.

Chu is running for re-election. Hahn is vying to fill the Los Angeles County supervisor position left vacant by Don Knabe in the 4th District, which covers Marina del Rey to Diamond Bar.

When CBS2/KCAL's Randy Paige asked if this issue will get as much support the day after the election, Hahn said "I think it will, and I think it will depend on these kinds of veterans groups all across this country storming the halls of Congress and making sure their elected officials do pay attention to this."

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the Pentagon to stop the bonus recoupment. But Congressional action will be needed to change the law and stop the repayments permanently.