To amend title 37, United States Code, to exclude the basic allowance for housing from the calculation of gross household income for purposes of the basic needs allowance for eligible members of the Armed Forces.
Summary
H.R. 5208 aims to amend Title 37 of the United States Code, specifically addressing the calculation of gross household income for the Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) for eligible members of the Armed Forces. The proposed change would exclude the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) from this calculation. This adjustment seeks to provide a more accurate reflection of financial need among service members.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to increase the number of service members eligible for the Basic Needs Allowance. By excluding BAH from the gross household income calculation, more military families struggling to meet basic needs could qualify for assistance. This could alleviate financial strain on lower-income military families.
Potential Benefits
- Increased eligibility for the Basic Needs Allowance among lower-income service members.
- Reduced financial strain on military families struggling to afford basic needs.
- Improved morale and financial stability within the armed forces.
- More accurate assessment of financial need among military personnel.
- Potential reduction in reliance on external assistance programs by military families.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential increase in government spending on the Basic Needs Allowance program.
- Possible administrative challenges in implementing the new calculation method.
- Risk of unintended consequences or loopholes that could be exploited.
- May not address the root causes of financial hardship among military families, such as low wages or inadequate financial literacy.
- Could create a perception of unfairness among service members who do not qualify for the BNA.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). By supporting the financial well-being of military families, the bill contributes to the overall readiness and morale of the armed forces. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to raise and support armies, implying the authority to provide for the welfare of military personnel and their families.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).