An Alaskan senator says the thousands of reservists and national guardsmen should not have to spend their own money to travel to training.

Senator Dan Sullivan is hoping to pass the Rural Guard Act, in conjunction with Congressman Don Young that would help these men and women.

Right now, reservists and guardsmen are given up to $300 each for travel. For those who live in states that allow them to drive to training, this amount is more than enough. But, Senator Sullivan says, “the challenges are unique,” for Alaskans and others from very rural states.

Sullivan ran a Marine reserve unit in Alaska where he says many people he served with paid out of pocked to get to Anchorage.

“It cost them more in terms of travel than what they’re actually making as a reserve Marine,” Sullivan said. “They’re actually losing money to train as a U.S. Marine in Alaska.”

Sullivan and Young are hoping to remove the $300 limit. “We should make sure in certain circumstances that we can lift that cap to make sure our guard members, our reserve members don’t have to have to pay money to go train and defend their nation,” Sullivan added.

The bill could cost up to $5 million and passed unanimously in committee. It is now part of the larger NDAA legislation Congress is currently debating.