Reps. Lamborn, Womack Introduce Bill to Eliminate Tax on Military Families

Press Release

Recognizing the importance of supporting America's military families, Congressman Doug Lamborn, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, joined Congressman Steve Womack, Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, in introducing legislation to eliminate the tax burden on Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) payments. The bill ensures service members keep the benefits they have earned as they serve our nation.

Congressman Lamborn stated, "When Americans put on the uniform and volunteer to serve our nation, it is important that we honor that commitment and ensure they receive the benefits they have earned. This legislation removes a burdensome tax and will help families who need it most. With inflation rising at an alarming rate, this will give our military families some much-needed relief. I thank Congressman Womack for leading this important effort. I will always fight for those who protect our freedoms."

Congressman Womack said, "It makes sense to treat the BNA just like other military benefits outside of earned income. It's simple: taxing a benefit meant to help the most vulnerable defies logic. To me, this allowance is a "combat multiplier' through enhanced performance by reducing financial pressure at home. I intend to ensure our men and women in uniform are provided their full benefits."

"We have a duty to support our men and women in uniform. Inflation is straining paychecks across the nation, and military families are not immune to its impact on top of the financial stresses of deployments, transfers, and high military spouse unemployment. MOAA Arkansas is proud to support this bipartisan bill, which directly aids food security for our troops by ensuring they can count on the full value of their basic needs allowance," said Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Arkansas Council of Chapters President Col (R) Don Berry. "The legislation demonstrates a commitment to America's service members and their loved ones, and we thank Congressman Womack for his work."

This legislation explicitly amends the tax code to exclude BNA benefits from taxable income. This rightfully puts BNA in line with the tax status of other military benefits, including Basic Allowance for Housing and Basic Allowance for Subsistence. Exempting BNA funds provided to eligible military families further supports their ability to purchase groceries and be food secure. It's another step in alleviating financial burdens and ensuring those serving and protecting our nation can better focus on their mission. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the change would impact an estimated 3,000 military families.

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