U.S. service members stationed in several high-risk areas in Africa’s Sahel region would receive tax exclusion benefits under bipartisan legislation recently cosponsored by U.S. Reps. Blake Moore (R-UT) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA).
Specifically, H.R. 2157, which U.S. Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) sponsored on March 14, would provide that members of the U.S. Armed Forces performing services in Kenya, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Chad are entitled to tax benefits in the same manner as if such services were performed in a combat zone.
“It has been my priority on the Ways and Means Committee to represent the interests of our military service members through common-sense tax policies like this,” Rep. Moore said. “At a time when terrorist activity in the Sahel is ramping up and Russian mercenaries are stalking the region to exert their influence, now is the time to provide this low-cost tax exclusion to uniformed Americans putting their lives on the line.”
The Sahel region is witnessing increased activity from extremist organizations and political instability. With the withdrawal of French partner forces, U.S. military personnel in the region are now operating with limited additional support, including medical evacuation services, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Moore’s staff.
If enacted, H.R. 2157 would provide support for the relatively small number of U.S. service members deployed in the region, bringing the total estimated cost to $3 million over the next decade.
Additionally, the bill would ensure that when a country is no longer designated for Imminent Danger Pay, the Qualified Hazardous Duty Area designation for that country would automatically end, ensuring that the benefits are provided only as long as necessary, the summary says.
“Our service members in high-risk areas sacrifice so much for our country, they deserve nothing less than our unwavering support,” said Rep. Kiggans, who joined Rep. Moore as one of 15 original cosponsors of H.R. 2157.
“As threats in the Sahel region of Africa continue to rise, we must do everything in our power to take care of our troops on the ground working to neutralize terrorist activity and restore peace and stability,” the congresswoman said. “Providing tax exclusion benefits to our brave service members stationed in dangerous areas like the Sahel is a no brainer.”
The bill has been endorsed by the Special Operations Association of America and the Military Officers Association of America.