As lawmakers spend time away from Washington, D.C., this summer, MOAA needs your support for our ongoing work to restore a critical financial benefit for those who serve, and their families.

The bipartisan, bicameral BAH Restoration Act would raise the Basic Allowance for Housing to 100% of rental and utilities costs for servicemembers. The much-needed legislation would help military families deal with undue financial burdens and avoid living in less-than-ideal conditions, particularly during tough economic times.

[TAKE ACTION: Ask Your Lawmakers to Restore BAH to 100%]

This effort was part of our successful in-person Advocacy in Action campaign on Capitol Hill this spring. To keep the momentum going, MOAA is now calling on all members and interested individuals to actively engage their lawmakers during their summer work periods and encourage support for these essential bills as part of our Advocacy in Action Summer Campaign.

BAH Basics

This allowance is a critical financial component for military personnel to afford suitable housing for themselves and their families. However, from 2015 to 2019, DoD reduced the rate servicemembers and their dependents were paid from 100% to 95% of their projected housing costs.

The BAH Restoration Act (S. 1823 and H.R. 2537) would ensure the BAH reflects the actual rental housing and utilities costs incurred by servicemembers; dozens of House members have cosponsored the legislation since MOAA’s spring visit to Capitol Hill, and our summer advocacy campaign aims to rally widespread support for the bills and other vital issues affecting the all-volunteer force.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with MOAA's advocacy efforts through our website and social media channels, The MOAA Newsletter (click to check your newsletter/email preferences), or our chapter network.
  
  
• Contact Your Lawmakers: Communication with elected representatives is crucial. Write personalized emails, make phone calls, or use social media to express your support for the BAH Restoration Act. Share your personal stories or experiences to underscore the importance of this legislation. Get started by signing up for MOAA’s Legislative Action Center.
  
  
• Join Our Ranks: Not a MOAA member? Become one.
  
  
• Spread the Word: Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to participate in the advocacy campaign. The more individuals actively engaged, the stronger the impact of the collective voice. Share our call-to-action link throughout your network; you do not need to be a MOAA member to use MOAA’s Legislative Action Center.

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By joining forces with MOAA and reaching out to lawmakers throughout August, individuals can make a positive difference in the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to serving our nation. Together, we can ensure that servicemembers receive the support they need, and the BAH Restoration Act is a significant step toward achieving that goal. Take Action Today!

Keep up with the latest in MOAA’s Advocacy in Action Summer Campaign by visiting MOAA.org/SummerAiA.