BAH Restoration Act
BAH Restoration Act
Plain Language Summary
# BAH Restoration Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The BAH Restoration Act would increase the housing allowance (called Basic Allowance for Housing, or BAH) that the military pays to service members stationed in the United States. Currently, the allowance is calculated using a formula that subtracts a percentage of the national average housing cost from the local cost. This bill would change it so service members receive the full amount needed to cover adequate housing in their specific area, rather than using the national average in the calculation. **Who It Affects** The bill would directly benefit active-duty military personnel, reservists, and members of the National Guard who live in the U.S.
Service members in high-cost housing markets would likely see the biggest increases, since local housing costs often exceed the national average. **Current Status** The bill (S. 1122) was introduced by Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No action has been taken since its introduction.
CRS Official Summary
BAH Restoration ActThis bill increases the monthly amount of the basic housing allowance for members of the uniformed services inside the United States.Specifically, the monthly amount of allowance for a member must be the amount of the monthly cost of adequate housing in the area, as determined by the Department of Defense, for members of the uniformed services serving in the same pay grade and same dependency status as the member. (Currently, the allowance is based on the difference between this amount and a percentage of the national average monthly cost of housing for members with the same pay grade and dependency status.)
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.