Press Releases

Washington, DC—January 23, 2025…Recognizing the importance of supporting America’s military families, Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR-3) and Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA-6) introduced the BNA Fairness Act, legislation to eliminate the tax burden on Basic Needs Allowance (BNA) payments. The bipartisan bill ensures service members keep the full amount of entitlement benefits they have earned for their service to our nation.

Congressman Womack said, “Providing a supplement to support military families and taxing that benefit doesn’t make sense. The BNA should be treated just like any other military benefit outside of earned income. My bill with Congressman Moulton does just that. This allowance—especially without the tax burden—is a combat multiplier. Free from additional financial stress, our men and women in uniform can better focus on their mission of defending our homeland. I’m proud to introduce this bill to ensure our troops receive the full benefits they’ve earned.”

Congressman Moulton said, “It is simply unacceptable for servicemembers and their families, who already make many sacrifices for our country, to then struggle to put food on the table or make ends meet. By treating the Basic Needs Allowance like other military benefits, this bill provides critical relief to service members and their families. As we keep working to improve quality of life across the military community, I’m very proud today to co-lead this bipartisan effort.”

The Arkansas Council of Chapters (COC) of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), representing the nearly 5 thousand MOAA members across our great state, fully supports Congressman Womack's reintroduction of the BNA Fairness Act.

The bipartisan bill is supported by one original cosponsor, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA-1).

Details:

The proposal specifically 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 (BAH) and Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS).

Allowing eligible military families to keep more of their earned benefit 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.