CNMI residents who are Reserve members of the U.S. armed forces are scheduled to leave the islands this month to prepare for their deployment to Kuwait and Iraq.
They will serve for at least a year.
Rep. Rosemond B. Santos, R-Saipan and principal sponsor of House Resolution 16-43, said many Reservists have yet to receive their previous years’ refund and rebate checks, which could greatly assist their families at this time.
“The Reserve members should not be saddled with additional stress of financial obligations and family uncertainties while serving their tour of duty in the global war on terrorism,” H.R. 16-43 stated.
The House unanimously adopted the resolution during a session on Wednesday.
Although the U.S. military will compensate the Reservists during their tour of duty, there may be a gap in compensation during their deployment transition phase.
“The 2007 CNMI refund/rebate checks would greatly assist the families of the Reserve members of the U.S. armed forces defray the rising cost of gas, electrical power, essential goods and commodities in the CNMI,” the resolution stated.
“The Reserve members should be entitled to receive their previous years and/or year 2007 CNMI refund/rebate checks upon presentation of his or her involuntary call-up to active duty order for at least 180 days in support of the global war on terrorism,” it added.
