Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt an amendment that adds language to HR 1585 establishing mandatory minimum rest periods for members of the regular and reserve components of the armed forces between deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and expressing the sense of the Congress concerning ideal rest periods between these deployments.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the deployment of members of the regular armed forces unless the time period between deployments is at least as long as the period of the previous deployment.

• Expresses the sense of the Congress that the optimal time period between deployments for members of the regular armed forces should be at least twice as long as the period of the previous deployment.

• Prohibits the deployment of members of the Reserve Armed Forces and National Guard if the member has been deployed within the preceding three years.

• Expresses the sense of the Congress that members of the Reserve Armed Forces should not be mobilized continuously for more than one year, and that the optimal time period between deployments should be at least five years.

• Provides that the President may waive the rest period requirements upon certifying to Congress that the deployment is necessary for an emergency threatening the national security interests of the United States.

• Provides that special operations forces are exempt from rest period requirements.

• Provides for waivers for members of the armed forces who have voluntarily requested mobilization.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text