MOAA’s work to restore the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) to 100% of the local cost of rent and utilities took another step forward June 6 with the reintroduction of the Senate version of the BAH Restoration Act (S. 1823), a vital piece of legislation matching the House version (H.R. 2537) introduced in April.  

The bill aims to ensure our servicemembers receive the support they deserve. The BAH is a crucial component of a servicemember's compensation package, designed to assist with housing costs and provide financial stability. It helps ensure that military personnel and their families have suitable living conditions, whether on or off base, by offsetting the expenses associated with renting a home.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Support the BAH Restoration Act]

This benefit recognizes the unique challenges of military life, such as frequent relocations and the need to maintain a stable family environment amidst deployments and other demanding duties.

“Our service members are the best among us. They represent us and they defend us. The least we can do is ensure they and their families have access to affordable and quality housing,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), who sponsored the bill alongside Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). “I’m excited to be working with Senator Murkowski on the other side of the aisle in this important endeavor to restore the housing allowance that servicemembers deserve.”

BAH has faced cuts and reductions in recent years, placing an increased burden on our servicemembers. In addition to continued high rates of military spouse un/underemployment, skyrocketing housing costs have outpaced the allowances, leaving many military families struggling to make ends meet. This financial strain can have detrimental effects on morale, readiness, and ultimately the overall well-being of our military forces. Restoring BAH to adequate levels is an essential step toward alleviating this burden and ensuring our servicemembers can focus on their duties without undue financial stress.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Lawmakers to Incentivize the Hiring of Military Spouses]

“The men and women defending our nation deserve our respect—and that starts by ensuring they can afford to cover basic housing costs,” Murkowski said. “In Alaska, financial stressors are a major problem for our military families, and something that I’m working hard to address. I’m proud to join Senator Warnock on this bipartisan effort to alleviate financial stress and ensure that our servicemembers have access to safe and quality housing.”

Offering competitive compensation packages is critical to attracting and retaining talented individuals who possess the necessary skills to protect our nation's security. By providing adequate support for housing, this bill acknowledges the importance of valuing our military personnel and their families, fostering a culture of retention and professional development – critical to maintaining the all-volunteer force.

Earlier this year, MOAA focused on this effort as part of our spring Advocacy in Action campaign, where we brought MOAA council and chapter leaders from all over the country to Capitol Hill. We increased lawmaker awareness and help grow co-sponsors for the House version, which is led by Reps. Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a MOAA member.

[MOAA ISSUE PAPER: Pay Full Housing Costs for Servicemembers]

MOAA appreciates Sen. Warnock and Murkowski taking an important step forward to restore the BAH to 100% through the BAH Restoration Act. Our troops need your support: Write your lawmakers in both the House and Senate today and ask them to co-sponsor this legislation.