WASHINGTON — The California National Guard told the state's members of Congress two years ago that the Pentagon was trying to claw back re-enlistment bonuses from thousands of soldiers and even offered a proposal to mitigate the problem, but Congress took no action, according to a senior National Guard official.

The official added improper bonuses had been paid to National Guard members in every state, raising the possibility that many more soldiers may owe debts to the Pentagon. Pentagon officials acknowledged Monday the problem likely extends beyond California.