6 May, 2005
The Honorable Patrick J. Leahy
United States Senate
433
Dear Senator Leahy:
FRA wholeheartedly
endorses your introduction of legislation authorizing National Guard and
Reservists called up to active duty for a period of more than 30 days to
receive a basic allowance for housing (BAH) at the same rate as there active
duty counterparts.
Current policy requires
Reservists serving less than 140 days receive "BAH II," which is
generally a flat-rate amount based on pay grade and marital status rather than
the market-influenced, geographically driven allowance that active duty
personnel receive.
At the specific request
of senior enlisted leaders of the Coast Guard, FRA addressed this inadequacy in
Congressional testimony, recommending a policy change authorizing Reservists
activated 30 days or more to be eligible for locally based BAH. This measure
significantly helps ensure Reservists’ compensation reflects the duties
our Nation has asked them to perform.
The Association salutes
you for your efforts and is committed to working toward enactment of this
important legislation.
Sincerely,
JOSEPH L. BARNES
National Executive Secretary
JLB:cjs: