{"id":74669,"date":"2023-06-09T19:11:34","date_gmt":"2023-06-09T19:11:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/uncategorized\/2023\/06\/09\/troops-could-see-monthly-bonuses-better-housing-pay-under-house-plan\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T15:27:13","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T15:27:13","slug":"troops-could-see-monthly-bonuses-better-housing-pay-under-house-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/airforcetimes\/news\/pentagon-congress\/2023\/06\/09\/troops-could-see-monthly-bonuses-better-housing-pay-under-house-plan\/","title":{"rendered":"Troops could see monthly bonuses, better housing pay under House plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Junior enlisted troops could see monthly paycheck bonuses<\/a> next year and higher housing stipends<\/a> under plans to be unveiled by House lawmakers next week, according to a draft copy of the annual defense authorization bill obtained by Military Times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The moves follow House Republicans\u2019 promises<\/a> over the last year to better financially protect young troops and their families from high inflation and other unexpected costs associated with military life. Although all troops receive an annual pay raise, many junior service members make less than $30,000 a year in base pay, below federal minimum wage.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Defense Department leaders in the last year have discussed the idea of a one-time pay boost for junior troops \u2014 especially enlisted members, whose pay is significantly below officers \u2014 as a way to adjust take-home pay in the middle of the annual budget cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the House plan to be considered next week goes further than that, authorizing \u201cmonthly bonus pay\u201d for troops rank E-6 and below \u201cas economic conditions dictate.\u201d The exact amounts would be determined by Pentagon officials after passage of the legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\t