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Bill seeks to remedy National Guard housing allowance disparity
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Posted on Aug 07 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Guam Delegate Madeleine Z. Bordallo recently joined Rep. Dave Lobesack of Iowa in introducing a bill that would provide members of the National Guard with the appropriate Basic Allowance for Housing or Overseas Housing Allowance when transitioning between active duty and full time National Guard duty without a break in service. Under current policy, a National Guardsman who makes this transition will be paid the BAH or OHA based of their home of record and not their permanent duty assignment station. This could drastically reduce the amount of BAH or OHA that a servicemember is entitled to when transitioning.
“This bill addresses a disparity in the application of housing allowance pay to members of the National Guard,” said Bordallo. “These men and women serve our nation and dedicate their lives in support of our national security—the least we can do is pay them fairly. The current policy regarding housing allowances creates a financial burden for Guardsmen and their families at a time when our National Guard units are stressed by multiple deployments. They should receive housing allowances based on their permanent duty station location. I am working with Congressman Dave Lobesack to advance this bill in the House.”
“The National Guard plays a critical role in defending our country overseas and protecting our communities here at home,” said Lobesack. “Many Guardsmen have been deployed multiple times over the last ten years even as we continue to call on them to respond to disasters such as the storms and flooding that have hit Iowa. We must provide them and their families with the resources and support they deserve, not reduce their housing benefits at a time when they can least afford it. I am proud to have introduced this legislation with Congresswoman Bordallo to ensure that our National Guard Soldiers, Airmen and families receive the benefits they have earned.” [I](PR)[/I]
