Rep. Jimmy Panetta Introduces Legislation to Provide Qualified Hazardous Duty Area Designation for Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Chad
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) introduced legislation to extend the Qualified Hazardous Duty Area (QHDA) designation to Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Chad, ensuring that U.S. servicemembers stationed in these high-risk areas receive critical tax exclusion benefits. This bill comes alongside bipartisan support from fellow lawmakers and endorsements from leading military organizations, including the Special Operations Association of America and the Military Officers Association of America.
The QHDA designation allows servicemembers deployed in hazardous areas to exclude their compensation from federal taxes. Currently, only countries where servicemembers receive Imminent Danger Pay (IDP) are eligible for this designation. Mali, Chad, Kenya, Burkina Faso have already been designated as IDP areas. Rep. Panetta secured retroactive IDP for servicemembers operating in Burkina Faso following deteriorating security conditions.
“The Sahel region is facing increasing threats from violent extremist organizations and mercenary groups, including Russian proxies, and our servicemembers are operating in extremely dangerous conditions,” said Rep. Panetta. “This legislation acknowledges the sacrifices our men and women in uniform make every day to bring stability to a region marked by political instability and rising threats. Providing this tax benefit is a small way to honor their service and ensure they are supported while serving in these high-risk environments.”
The Sahel region is witnessing increased activity from violent extremist organizations and political instability, including numerous military coups and ongoing instability in neighboring countries. 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. This legislation provides much-needed support for the relatively small number of U.S. servicemembers deployed in the region.
The total cost of the proposal is estimated at just $3 million over the next decade, given the small number of U.S. servicemembers stationed in these areas. The bill ensures that when a country is no longer designated for IDP, the QHDA designation will automatically end, ensuring that the benefits are provided only as long as necessary.
The legislation is being led by Reps. Austin Scott (GA-08), Blake Moore (UT-01), Brad Schneider (IL-10), (GA-08), Trent Kelly (MS-01), Richard Hudson (NC-09), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Zach Nunn (IA-03), Rich McCormick (GA-06), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Mark Messmer (IN-08), Don Davis (NC-01), Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), Jen Kiggans (VA-02). Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Seth Moulton (MA-06), and Cory Mills (FL-07).
“As our foreign adversaries expand their influence in the Sahel, the risk to our servicemembers in that region increases,” said Rep. Scott. “It only makes sense that they receive benefits that reflect that risk.”
“The Sahel has emerged as the epicenter of global terrorism, accounting for over half of terrorism-related deaths worldwide and posing unprecedented threats to security and stability,” said Rep. Schneider. “Our servicemembers stationed in this region confront escalating violence and increasingly complex threats every day, often under conditions as dangerous as combat zones. This bipartisan effort acknowledges their sacrifices by extending well-deserved tax benefits, recognizing their bravery and commitment as they serve on the front lines of this critical global security challenge.”
“It has been my priority on the Ways and Means Committee to represent the interests of our military servicemembers through commonsense tax policies like this,” said Rep. Moore. “The Sahel region poses acute threats to the American homeland, and our servicemembers stationed there should be given every possible leg up from Congress. 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 of Africa has become a hotspot for global instability, with our servicemembers facing increasing danger and violence in the region everyday,” said Rep. Carbajal. “As threats continue to grow, extending tax benefits to the troops serving there is a simple and necessary step. I’m proud to support this vital legislation to honor their service.”
“Our servicemembers in high-risk areas sacrifice so much for our country, they deserve nothing less than our unwavering support,” said Rep. Kiggans. “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. Providing tax exclusion benefits to our brave servicemembers stationed in dangerous areas like the Sahel is a no brainer. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this important legislation to support the men and women in uniform who risk so much to serve our great nation.”
“Our servicemembers face an increasingly deadly and complex threat landscape in the Sahel region of Africa,” said Rep. Nunn. “Their fight against extreme terrorists and Russian mercenaries is critical to peace and stability in the region and we’re here to support their mission all the way. This bipartisan effort extends critical tax benefits for our troops in high-risk areas and I’m proud to join my colleagues to support our men and women in uniform.”
“As a Marine officer who has spent time in hazardous theaters, I understand the added pressures and risks that are incurred,” said Rep. McCormick. “Our service members in the Sahel are operating in an increasingly dangerous environment, facing threats from terrorist organizations, Russian mercenaries, and political instability. The Qualified Hazardous Duty Area designation rightly recognizes their sacrifice and ensures they receive the benefits they have earned. This is a common-sense measure to support those who put their lives on the line for our national security.”
“Today, there is no sanctuary for service members – at home or abroad. This legislation is far overdue and is displayed from the bi-partisan veteran co-sponsors,” said the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA). “The Special Operations Association of America applauds Representative Panetta and the all-star cast of veteran Members for bringing this legislation to Congress in a region where US Special Operations Forces are heavily engaged. -David Cook, Executive Director Special Operations Association of America”
“Servicemembers serving across Africa confront substantial and shifting obstacles and hazardous conditions as they collaborate with our regional allies,” said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret). “Extending tax benefits to our personnel operating in this challenging and risky environment aligns with other priorities and geographic areas where our military serves to safeguard our nation and ensure international stability. MOAA appreciates the bipartisan leadership of the House in championing this legislation to recognize and compensate troops facing well beyond normal hazardous conditions.”
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