Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) released the following statement regarding the Department of Defense’s announcement of a plan to eliminate the current use of Stop Loss:

 “The Pentagon’s announcement to end the use of Stop Loss is very good news for service members and their families.  I’m glad a plan has been developed to end this policy and only wish its end could have come sooner. 

 “Demands on our military have stretched and strained our forces, making it necessary to keep some service members in uniform beyond their commitment.  This has imposed an extra burden of service on those affected by Stop Loss.  Our national objective should be to avoid the use of Stop Loss when possible and to strictly limit the program’s scope when it cannot be avoided.

 “I’m also gratified that the Department of Defense will begin to implement the Stop Loss Special Pay authorized by Congress to compensate those required to continue military service beyond their obligation.  This compensation shows our forces that the nation understands we have asked them to take on additional sacrifices and we are grateful for their service.”

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