The Pentagon is seen on Oct. 21, 2021. (Robert H. Reid/Stars and Stripes)
WASHINGTON — Upcoming negotiations over an annual defense policy bill will see lawmakers debate a measure that would grant back pay to military officers whose promotions were delayed by the Senate.
The Senate Armed Services Committee’s version of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, which was filed last week, attempts to rectify the financial damage caused by a monthslong hold on promotions Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., initiated last year.
The House version of the bill, which sets priorities for the Defense Department and passed the chamber last month, makes no such effort.
Senators said they will fight in the coming months to secure language in the compromise version of the must-pass legislation that gives the more than 400 senior officers affected by Tuberville’s block retroactive promotion dates and back pay.
Tuberville began his blockade in February 2023 in a bid to force the Pentagon to rescind a policy granting leave and travel cost reimbursement to troops who need to travel to obtain reproductive health care, including abortions. He eventually dropped his hold under immense pressure from members of both parties.
The Senate Armed Services Committee, of which Tuberville is a member, voted on its version of the defense authorization bill last month and the legislation now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., and Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., first introduced legislation to adjust affected service members’ promotions and make other administrative fixes in December. The standalone bill was co-sponsored by Tuberville and unanimously passed the Senate later that month.
Manchin on Tuesday praised the inclusion of the measure in the mammoth defense policy bill and said lawmakers need to do right by troops.
“We have a responsibility in Congress to make them whole,” he said. “I will continue doing everything in my power to ensure the passage of our bill to compensate our troops and strengthen America’s national security.”
Rounds said many of the impacted officers spent much of 2023 waiting on promotions and raises they had earned through exemplary service, often in combat zones.
At least 22 field officers awaiting their first star lost about $2,600 per month as they performed the duties of a flag officer without a corresponding pay raise, according to a fact sheet compiled last year by the Democratic staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee. About 20 general officers nominated for their second star lost nearly $2,000 per month.
“This legislation would make certain they and their families receive the benefits they missed out on for several months,” Rounds said.
