Connolly to Submit Bill to Help Troops
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Rep. Gerald E. “Gerry” Connolly will submit legislation today to help U.S. troops escape financial penalties they could face while deployed.
The Democratic congressman’s Helping Active Duty Deployed Act would allow service members to end “family plan” cell phone contracts or rental property leases early with no charge.
Current federal law allows troops to end individual cell contracts or vehicle leases with no monetary penalty, but family cell plans and real estate leases can still generate extra costs.
“That just outrages me,” Connolly said Saturday after addressing the Vietnam Veterans of America’s Virginia State Council meeting, held near Manassas.